Our Research

From deciphering underlying genetic factors of diseases to developing cutting-edge genome technology, our scientists are making impactful discoveries everyday.

Strength in Genetics and Genomics Research

The Department of Genetics has traditional strengths in computational biology and genome science, as well as model organism, evolutionary and human genetics. Recent specialties include neurological disorders, cellular bioenergetics, epigenomics, personalized medicine and genome technology development.

We have established leadership in the following flagship NIH genomic medicine themed projects:

  • The Human Pangenome Project (NHGRI)
  • The Impact of Genetic Variation on Function (NHGRI)
  • The Long Life Family Study (NIA)
  • Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (NIH Common Fund)
  • Multi-Omics for Health and Disease (NHGRI, NCI, NIEHS)
  • The BRAIN (The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative Cell Atlas Network (NIMH)

Within the close-knit research community of Washington University School of Medicine, our scientists are supported by a strong foundation. School of Medicine Facts & Figures

#2 NIH Funding (2023)$838.3 Million Research Funding 202219 Nobel Laureates 

Latest News

‘Jumping genes’ drive many cancers (Links to an external site)

‘Jumping genes’ drive many cancers
Jumping genes, which scientists call transposable elements, are short sections of the DNA sequence that have been incorporated randomly into the genome over the long course of human evolution. The evolutionary histories of jumping genes are the subject of much current research, but viral infection is thought to play an important role in their origins. Researchers led by Ting Wang the Sanford C. and Karen P. Loewentheil Distinguished Professor of Medicine, have plumbed genomic databases, looking specifically for tumors whose jumping genes are driving cancer growth.

Our Research Areas