How do DNA, RNA, genes, and proteins interact to yield specific traits like the eye?
WE SEEK TO UNDERSTAND HOW GENES AND MOLECULES INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER TO GENERATE TRAITS AND HOW GENE-TO-TRAIT INTERACTIONS CHANGE THROUGHOUT EVOLUTION
Why do similar genes give rise to distinct traits in disease and evolution?
We use animal light sensing systems to uncover common themes and mechanisms of trait evolution
We are a multidisciplinary lab that uses molecular biology, genetics, genomics, cell biology, neurophysiology, and behavior to integratively characterize light sensing systems in a variety of animal models
Regulation of Genes and Genomes
To understand the molecular and genetic basis of any trait, we must understand the genome-wide components that are responsible. Our lab does ATAC-Seq, single-cell RNA-Seq and other cutting edge genomics techniques to understand gene networks involved in building particular traits. We genetically manipulate Nematostella vectensis sea anemones for powerful functional genomics experiments.
Cell Physiology and Organismal Behavior
To understand how genes regulate traits we also characterize and genetically manipulate sensory cell physiology and animal behavior. This allows us to directly connect genes to traits in novel ways that were previously unavailable in non-model organisms.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
We choose phylogenetically informative species, characterize understudied light sensing traits from gene to behavior, and compare these to better studied classical animal models. In this way we work toward a larger picture of “the rules of life” where we can predict gene regulation and function in all animals as it relates to generating traits.