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PI: Jim Skeath, PhD

We investigate the genetic and molecular basis of both asymmetric divisions and cell-type specific differentiation programs through the use of the Drosophila model system, focusing primarily on nervous system development.

The Cremins lab works at the spatial biology-technology interface to understand chromatin-to-synapse communication during neural circuit activation in the mammalian brain. We aim to understand how chromatin works through long-range physical folding mechanisms to encode neuronal specification and long-term synaptic plasticity in healthy and diseased neural circuits. We pursue a multi-disciplinary approach integrating data across biological scales in the brain, including molecular Chromosome-Conformation-Capture sequencing technologies, single-cell imaging, optogenetics, genome engineering, induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation to neurons/organoids, and in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological measurements.

PI: Gary Stormo, PhD

The Stormo lab is interested in the mechanisms of gene regulation. We use both experimental and computational approaches to determine the specificity of protein-DNA interactions, defining quantitative “motifs” for transcription factors. This allows for predictions of binding sites and the effects of mutations on gene expression. We also study RNA structure and protein-RNA interactions to help uncover post-transcriptional modes of gene regulation.

Individuals with research programs in any area of genetics/genomics are encouraged to apply. The department has historic strength in human genetics, model organism biology, epigenetics and gene regulation, technology development, and computational biology. The department is also home to the McDonnell Genome Institute, one of the largest academic genome centers in the country and a key player in producing the first human genome sequence, the first cancer genome sequence, several surveys of human genetic diversity, and the ongoing human pangenome project.

The Dean’s Fellow to Faculty Program in the Department of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine rewards outstanding graduate student or early-stage postdoctoral researchers in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology with the opportunity to create an independent research agenda in anticipation of joining the Genetics Department as an Assistant Professor on the tenure-track.

• Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD | Milbrandt Lab
• Gabor Egervari, MD, PhD | Egervari Lab
• Guoyan Zhao, PhD | Zhao Lab

PI: Tychele Turner, PhD

As a research lab, we excel to achieve the goals of Precision Genomics by addressing five main areas that present as current limitations to Precision Genomics in everyone: 1) interpretation of noncoding variation 2) variants missed due to genomic technology 3) speed of the current “genomic workflow” 4) combination of multi-hit rare and/or common variants 5) gene x environment

PI: Aki Ushiki, PhD

Our lab focuses on understanding how gene-regulatory elements control gene expression in mammals, particularly in relation to the genetic basis of development, evolution, and disease. To study enhancer function, our approach includes three key components. First, we identify putative enhancers from comprehensive genomic datasets and GWAS data. Next, the in vivo functions of these enhancer candidates are characterized using a combination of mouse genetics and functional genomics techniques. Finally, by integrating this functional information, we use enhancers as tools to manipulate phenotypes, such as altering morphology or developing new therapeutic approaches.

PI: Ting Wang, PhD

Our research is to understand the evolution and adaption of human regulatory networks, with a focus on the impact of these processes on human health and disease.In particular, we investigate the evolutionary model of mobile elements (or transposable elements) and their roles in basic biology and cancer, including their genetic and epigenetic regulation.

PI: Michael White, PhD

We use a range of genomic technologies and computational strategies to understand how the photoreceptor transcription factor cone-rod homeobox (CRX) recognizes different target sites in several retinal cell types. We develop massively parallel functional assays to understand how both protein-coding and non-coding genetic variants affect molecular function. We also develop biophysical models of gene regulation that connect DNA sequence and transcription factor binding with gene expression levels.