Labs

PI: Michael Province, PhD

I am interested in the development and application of statistical genetics analysis methods for human complex traits and diseases. This includes gene discovery and validation in genomic scans (association, gene expression, and copy number), pathway analysis, and the design of family/genetic observational studies and clinical trials. I have developed growth curve pharmacogenetic models of treatment effect, Poisson-Process genetic models, frailty (age-at-onset) models, recursive partitioning genetic methods, meta-analysis procedures, and novel Sequential Multiple Decision Procedures to simultaneously identify all signals in a genome scan while controlling for overall type I and type II error rates.

PI: Nancy Saccone, PhD

Our research uses mathematical and statistical methods to identify and characterize genetic contributors to complex traits in humans. Methods under development include use of linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure in the design and interpretation of disease association studies. Applied work and interdisciplinary collaborations focus on the genetics of substance dependence.

PI: Tim Schedl, PhD

We investigate: 1) The decision between germline stem cell proliferation and meiotic development 2) Progression through meiotic prophase & gametogenesis 3) Mitochondria and germline development 4) Germline sex determination 5) In collaboration with Drs Qiang Wang and Kelle Moley we also investigate mouse oocyte maturation and the consequences of physiological perturbations including high fat diet and diabetes

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.

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.

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: Guoyan Zhao, PhD

We integrate multiple cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches to study gene transcriptional regulation in the nervous system and how changes in the regulation contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD) and Lewy body diseases (LBDs).