Linking DNA to cell to organism

Visual systems, like any trait, are the result of coordinated spatial and temporal patterns of gene regulation and expression throughout development. These essential gene regulatory networks are repeatedly found in similar traits across animals, suggesting homology of the trait, however functional links between development and mature cell types are missing in most animal lineages. 

Projects in the lab focus on addressing the functional link between regulation of the genome and photoreceptor cell type differentiation through next-gen sequencing, knockouts, transgenic reporters, and measures of gene expression. We also focus on characterizing mature cell types physiologically, and connecting these to animal behavior.

By comparing developmental programs within and between species, we can better understand the evolution of visual systems.