Research
WHAT DO WE STUDY?
Developmental Genetics – we map and study genes regulating vertebrate development. We focus on genes influencing the shape of the craniofacial skeleton to identify the molecular, cellular and developmental mechanisms underlying skull formation.
Developmental Genetics – we map and study genes regulating vertebrate development. We focus on genes influencing the shape of the craniofacial skeleton to identify the molecular, cellular and developmental mechanisms underlying skull formation.
WHY DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS?
Much is unknown about the developmental mechanisms that shape the craniofacial skeleton and how changes in these mechanisms result in evolution or disease.
EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE: The evolution of the skull some 480 million years ago and of jaws (440 mya) were triggers for the radiation of vertebrates both at sea and on land. Skull and jaw anatomy and morphology have been diversifying since their inception, yet little is known about the genetic and developmental basis of this diversification.
HUMAN HEALTH PERSPECTIVE: Craniofacial defects are one of the most common birth defects in humans, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying craniofacial development in health and disease.
Much is unknown about the developmental mechanisms that shape the craniofacial skeleton and how changes in these mechanisms result in evolution or disease.
EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE: The evolution of the skull some 480 million years ago and of jaws (440 mya) were triggers for the radiation of vertebrates both at sea and on land. Skull and jaw anatomy and morphology have been diversifying since their inception, yet little is known about the genetic and developmental basis of this diversification.
HUMAN HEALTH PERSPECTIVE: Craniofacial defects are one of the most common birth defects in humans, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying craniofacial development in health and disease.
MODEL ORGANISMS
The lab maintains and breeds Lake Malawi cichlids (Copadichromis azureus and Dimidiochromis compressiceps) and the established zebrafish model (Danio rerio). Lake Malawi cichlids are used for their astonishing morphological diversity and potential for quantitative genetics. The zebrafish is used for its amenability to a vast array of experimental procedures, such as site-directed mutagenesis and transgenesis.
The lab maintains and breeds Lake Malawi cichlids (Copadichromis azureus and Dimidiochromis compressiceps) and the established zebrafish model (Danio rerio). Lake Malawi cichlids are used for their astonishing morphological diversity and potential for quantitative genetics. The zebrafish is used for its amenability to a vast array of experimental procedures, such as site-directed mutagenesis and transgenesis.