Research
Publications
A list of research publications from the Department of Biological Sciences.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health PubMed.gov
- Digital Commons @ Wayne State University
- Biological Sciences dissertations
- Biological Sciences theses
Divisions
- Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
-
Cell biology
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Karen A. Beningo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, cell mechanics
Specialty
Our laboratory studies how mechanical forces impact cellular processes, including adhesion, cell migration, and cancer invasion. We utilize a combination of standard molecular, biophysical and microscopic tools to measure these changes and to identify the mechanisms behind their regulation.
Miriam L. Greenberg
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
My laboratory utilizes the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for cardiac function. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs.
Haidong Gu
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
Gu lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of virus-host interaction and its implication in both viral pathogenesis and therapeutic development.
Hanaa Hariri
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology
Specialty
The Hariri research group employs a multi-disciplinary approach combing proteomics, lipidomics, and high-resolution imaging, with metabolic analysis as well as classical biochemistry and genetics to study the regulation and spatial organization of metabolic pathways using yeast and human cell lines. We are particularly interested in fatty acid trafficking and metabolism at organelle contact sites. We are also interested in elucidating the principles that govern the crosstalk between metabolic networks.
Penelope I. Higgs
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The Higgs group uses the bacteria Myxococcus xanthus as model organisms to investigate multicellular behavior (biofilm formation) and development in bacteria. We focus on signaling mechanisms, cell fate segregation, and the molecular mechanisms of spore differentiation.
P.C. Lee, Assistant Professor
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The laboratory is interested in infection strategies used by bacterial pathogens to cause diseases. We focus on studying the function of the effector kinases encoded by the emerging pathogen, Legionella pneumophila, and how these bacterial kinases hijack host pathways in immune cells to promote infection.
Victoria Meller
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
Male fruit flies increase expression from their X chromosome. We discovered that long and short non-coding RNAs act cooperatively to identify X chromatin for modulation. Our work dissects the mechanism of X recognition.
David Njus
Division
Cellular, Development and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
We are studying the molecular basis of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, focusing on the role of toxins produced from dopamine by hypochlorite. Related research investigates oxidative stress caused by non-enzymatic redox reactions.
Lori Pile
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
Members of the Pile laboratory study regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics that control cellular decisions necessary for cell proliferation and development.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
The Schrader lab is focused on understanding RNA-based genomic regulatory mechanisms in bacteria. Using a systems biology approach we combine genome-wide measurements, biochemistry, and genetics to reveal the genomic regulatory programs that control bacterial development.
Mark VanBerkum
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
After birth, neurons must extend axons to form the connections underlying brain function. Using the molecular genetic toolbox of Drosophila, we seek to understand how external cues are converted into intracellular signals governing axon outgrowth and steering during the development of the embryonic nervous system.
-
Chemical biology and biochemistry
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Athar Ansari
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
The focus of research in my lab is regulation of eukaryotic transcription and co-transcriptional RNA processing by gene architecture.
Miriam L. Greenberg
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
My laboratory utilizes the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for cardiac function. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs.
Hanaa Hariri
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology
Specialty
The Hariri research group employs a multi-disciplinary approach combing proteomics, lipidomics, and high-resolution imaging, with metabolic analysis as well as classical biochemistry and genetics to study the regulation and spatial organization of metabolic pathways using yeast and human cell lines. We are particularly interested in fatty acid trafficking and metabolism at organelle contact sites. We are also interested in elucidating the principles that govern the crosstalk between metabolic networks.
Penelope I. Higgs
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The Higgs group uses the bacteria Myxococcus xanthus as model organisms to investigate multicellular behavior (biofilm formation) and development in bacteria. We focus on signaling mechanisms, cell fate segregation, and the molecular mechanisms of spore differentiation.
P.C. Lee
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The laboratory is interested in infection strategies used by bacterial pathogens to cause diseases. We focus on studying the function of the effector kinases encoded by the emerging pathogen, Legionella pneumophila, and how these bacterial kinases hijack host pathways in immune cells to promote infection.
David Njus
Division
Cellular, Development and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
We are studying the molecular basis of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, focusing on the role of toxins produced from dopamine by hypochlorite. Related research investigates oxidative stress caused by non-enzymatic redox reactions.
Lori Pile
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
Members of the Pile laboratory study regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics that control cellular decisions necessary for cell proliferation and development.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
The Schrader lab is focused on understanding RNA-based genomic regulatory mechanisms in bacteria. Using a systems biology approach we combine genome-wide measurements, biochemistry, and genetics to reveal the genomic regulatory programs that control bacterial development.
-
Development
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Markus Friedrich
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, neurobiology and animal physiology, cave biology, visual behavior
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
Edward M. Golenberg
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, plant sciences
Specialty
The Golenberg lab is interested in understanding the genetic regulatory pathways that lead to morphological evolution in plants, and the effects of that evolution on genome structure. We are also interested in applying our knowledge to address agricultural and environmental issues.
Penelope I. Higgs
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The Higgs group uses the bacteria Myxococcus xanthus as model organisms to investigate multicellular behavior (biofilm formation) and development in bacteria. We focus on signaling mechanisms, cell fate segregation, and the molecular mechanisms of spore differentiation.
Victoria Meller
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
Male fruit flies increase expression from their X chromosome. We discovered that long and short non-coding RNAs act cooperatively to identify X chromatin for modulation. Our work dissects the mechanism of X recognition.
Lori Pile
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
Members of the Pile laboratory study regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics that control cellular decisions necessary for cell proliferation and development.
Aleksandar Popadić
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
Insect development.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
Mark VanBerkum
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
After birth, neurons must extend axons to form the connections underlying brain function. Using the molecular genetic toolbox of Drosophila, we seek to understand how external cues are converted into intracellular signals governing axon outgrowth and steering during the development of the embryonic nervous system.
-
Ecology and urban sustainability
Thomas Dowling
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Dowling Lab interested in processes that are responsible for generating and maintaining biodiversity in freshwater fishes. This information is often applied to conservation and management of threatened and endangered species.
Glen Hood
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Hood lab is broadly interested in ecology and evolutionary biology with a focus on (1) the evolution and maintenance of new species (i.e., speciation), (2) the role of genomic architecture during the speciation process, and (3) the influence of multi-trophic interactions during species diversification. To address these questions, we combine population genetics/genomics studies with manipulative field and laboratory-based experiments and observations of behavior, physiology, and natural history.
Dan Kashian
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology
Specialty
Ecology of forest ecosystems and the influence of disturbances in shaping the distribution and spatial heterogeneity of plant communities and ecosystems.
Donna Kashian
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, urban sustainability
Specialty
My lab focuses on the effects of disturbance, including invasive species, climate change and contaminants, on aquatic communities and freshwater ecosystems. Our work examines interactions among organisms, the environment and humans, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaborations to address complex environmental issues.
Christopher Steiner
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution
Specialty
My lab studies the ecological and evolutionary processes that influence the structure and stability of planktonic populations and communities.
-
Evolution
Thomas Dowling
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Dowling Lab interested in processes that are responsible for generating and maintaining biodiversity in freshwater fishes. This information is often applied to conservation and management of threatened and endangered species.
Chuanzhu Fan
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant sciences
Specialty
Using plants (e.g. Arabidopsis and rice) as a model system, my lab Integrates theoretical, computational, and high-throughput experimental approaches to determine and predict how the genome/epigenome gives rise to the phenotype.
Markus Friedrich
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, neurobiology and animal physiology, cave biology, visual behavior
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
Edward M. Golenberg
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, plant sciences
Specialty
The Golenberg lab is interested in understanding the genetic regulatory pathways that lead to morphological evolution in plants, and the effects of that evolution on genome structure. We are also interested in applying our knowledge to address agricultural and environmental issues.
Weilong Hao
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics
Specialty
We use genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to study mutations and genome variations.
Glen Hood
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Hood lab is broadly interested in ecology and evolutionary biology with a focus on (1) the evolution and maintenance of new species (i.e., speciation), (2) the role of genomic architecture during the speciation process, and (3) the influence of multi-trophic interactions during species diversification. To address these questions, we combine population genetics/genomics studies with manipulative field and laboratory-based experiments and observations of behavior, physiology, and natural history.
Christopher Steiner
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution
Specialty
My lab studies the ecological and evolutionary processes that influence the structure and stability of planktonic populations and communities.
-
Genetics and genomics
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Athar Ansari
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
The focus of research in my lab is regulation of eukaryotic transcription and co-transcriptional RNA processing by gene architecture.
Thomas Dowling
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Dowling Lab interested in processes that are responsible for generating and maintaining biodiversity in freshwater fishes. This information is often applied to conservation and management of threatened and endangered species.
Chuanzhu Fan
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant sciences
Specialty
Using plants (e.g. Arabidopsis and rice) as a model system, my lab Integrates theoretical, computational, and high-throughput experimental approaches to determine and predict how the genome/epigenome gives rise to the phenotype.
Markus Friedrich
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, neurobiology and animal physiology, cave biology, visual behavior
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
Edward M. Golenberg
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, plant sciences
Specialty
The Golenberg lab is interested in understanding the genetic regulatory pathways that lead to morphological evolution in plants, and the effects of that evolution on genome structure. We are also interested in applying our knowledge to address agricultural and environmental issues.
Miriam L. Greenberg
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
My laboratory utilizes the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for cardiac function. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs.
Weilong Hao
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics
Specialty
We use genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to study mutations and genome variations.
Hanaa Hariri
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology
Specialty
The Hariri research group employs a multi-disciplinary approach combing proteomics, lipidomics, and high-resolution imaging, with metabolic analysis as well as classical biochemistry and genetics to study the regulation and spatial organization of metabolic pathways using yeast and human cell lines. We are particularly interested in fatty acid trafficking and metabolism at organelle contact sites. We are also interested in elucidating the principles that govern the crosstalk between metabolic networks.
Glen Hood
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Ecology, evolution, genetics and genomics
Specialty
The Hood lab is broadly interested in ecology and evolutionary biology with a focus on (1) the evolution and maintenance of new species (i.e., speciation), (2) the role of genomic architecture during the speciation process, and (3) the influence of multi-trophic interactions during species diversification. To address these questions, we combine population genetics/genomics studies with manipulative field and laboratory-based experiments and observations of behavior, physiology, and natural history.
Victoria Meller
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
Male fruit flies increase expression from their X chromosome. We discovered that long and short non-coding RNAs act cooperatively to identify X chromatin for modulation. Our work dissects the mechanism of X recognition.
Lori Pile
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell Biology, Chemical Biology and Biochemistry, Development, Genetics and Genomics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Specialty
Members of the Pile laboratory study regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics that control cellular decisions necessary for cell proliferation and development.
Aleksandar Popadić
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
Insect development.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
-
Microbiology
Miriam L. Greenberg
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
My laboratory utilizes the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for cardiac function. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs.
Haidong Gu
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
Gu lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of virus-host interaction and its implication in both viral pathogenesis and therapeutic development.
Weilong Hao
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics
Specialty
We use genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to study mutations and genome variations.
Penelope I. Higgs
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The Higgs group uses the bacteria Myxococcus xanthus as model organisms to investigate multicellular behavior (biofilm formation) and development in bacteria. We focus on signaling mechanisms, cell fate segregation, and the molecular mechanisms of spore differentiation.
P.C. Lee
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The laboratory is interested in infection strategies used by bacterial pathogens to cause diseases. We focus on studying the function of the effector kinases encoded by the emerging pathogen, Legionella pneumophila, and how these bacterial kinases hijack host pathways in immune cells to promote infection.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
The Schrader lab is focused on understanding RNA-based genomic regulatory mechanisms in bacteria. Using a systems biology approach we combine genome-wide measurements, biochemistry, and genetics to reveal the genomic regulatory programs that control bacterial development.
-
Molecular biology
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Athar Ansari
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
The focus of research in my lab is regulation of eukaryotic transcription and co-transcriptional RNA processing by gene architecture.
Chuanzhu Fan
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant sciences
Specialty
Using plants (e.g. Arabidopsis and rice) as a model system, my lab Integrates theoretical, computational, and high-throughput experimental approaches to determine and predict how the genome/epigenome gives rise to the phenotype.
Edward M. Golenberg
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, plant sciences
Specialty
The Golenberg lab is interested in understanding the genetic regulatory pathways that lead to morphological evolution in plants, and the effects of that evolution on genome structure. We are also interested in applying our knowledge to address agricultural and environmental issues.
Miriam L. Greenberg
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
My laboratory utilizes the powerful genetic, molecular, and cell biological tools of the yeast system and mammalian cell cultures to elucidate the cellular functions of two essential lipid pathways. One project is to understand the mitochondrial and cellular functions of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for cardiac function. The second project seeks to elucidate the essential functions of inositol phospholipids and metabolites and the cellular consequences of inositol depleting drugs.
Haidong Gu
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
Gu lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of virus-host interaction and its implication in both viral pathogenesis and therapeutic development.
Hanaa Hariri
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology
Specialty
The Hariri research group employs a multi-disciplinary approach combing proteomics, lipidomics, and high-resolution imaging, with metabolic analysis as well as classical biochemistry and genetics to study the regulation and spatial organization of metabolic pathways using yeast and human cell lines. We are particularly interested in fatty acid trafficking and metabolism at organelle contact sites. We are also interested in elucidating the principles that govern the crosstalk between metabolic networks.
Penelope I. Higgs
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The Higgs group uses the bacteria Myxococcus xanthus as model organisms to investigate multicellular behavior (biofilm formation) and development in bacteria. We focus on signaling mechanisms, cell fate segregation, and the molecular mechanisms of spore differentiation.
Justin Kenney
Division
Cellular, Developmental and Neurobiology
Research areas
Molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Kenney lab is interested in understanding the molecular basis of behavior and whole-brain network function. We aim to elucidate fundamental aspects of vertebrate brain function by combining behavioral analysis, tissue clearing, and light-sheet imaging with pharmacological and molecular genetic manipulations of adult zebrafish.
P.C. Lee
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology
Specialty
The laboratory is interested in infection strategies used by bacterial pathogens to cause diseases. We focus on studying the function of the effector kinases encoded by the emerging pathogen, Legionella pneumophila, and how these bacterial kinases hijack host pathways in immune cells to promote infection.
Victoria Meller
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
Male fruit flies increase expression from their X chromosome. We discovered that long and short non-coding RNAs act cooperatively to identify X chromatin for modulation. Our work dissects the mechanism of X recognition.
Lori Pile
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
Members of the Pile laboratory study regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetics that control cellular decisions necessary for cell proliferation and development.
Aleksandar Popadić
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology
Specialty
Insect development.
Jared Schrader
Division
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, development, genetics and genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry
Specialty
The Schrader lab is focused on understanding RNA-based genomic regulatory mechanisms in bacteria. Using a systems biology approach we combine genome-wide measurements, biochemistry, and genetics to reveal the genomic regulatory programs that control bacterial development.
-
Neurobiology and animal physiology
Joy Alcedo
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, genetics and genomics, molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Alcedo lab focuses on how sensory information modulates animal physiology through neuropeptide signaling. By exploiting the genetic and molecular toolbox in C. elegans and its well-characterized neuronal connectivity, we are delineating how a network of insulin-like peptides mediate the sensory influence on development and optimize survival under different environments.
Markus Friedrich
Division
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Research areas
Development, evolution, genetics and genomics, neurobiology and animal physiology, cave biology, visual behavior
Specialty
My lab studies the developmental and molecular evolution of the insect visual system using the cosmopolitan pest beetle species Tribolium castaneum and the highly endemic cave beetle species Ptomaphagus hirtus as models.
Justin Kenney
Division
Cellular, Developmental and Neurobiology
Research areas
Molecular biology, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
The Kenney lab is interested in understanding the molecular basis of behavior and whole-brain network function. We aim to elucidate fundamental aspects of vertebrate brain function by combining behavioral analysis, tissue clearing, and light-sheet imaging with pharmacological and molecular genetic manipulations of adult zebrafish.
David Njus
Division
Cellular, Development and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, chemical biology and biochemistry, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
We are studying the molecular basis of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, focusing on the role of toxins produced from dopamine by hypochlorite. Related research investigates oxidative stress caused by non-enzymatic redox reactions.
Marianna Sadagurski
Division
Cellular, Developmental and Neurobiology
Research areas
Neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
Central regulation of obesity and metabolism.
Mark VanBerkum
Division
Cellular, Developmental, and Neurobiology
Research areas
Cell biology, development, neurobiology and animal physiology
Specialty
After birth, neurons must extend axons to form the connections underlying brain function. Using the molecular genetic toolbox of Drosophila, we seek to understand how external cues are converted into intracellular signals governing axon outgrowth and steering during the development of the embryonic nervous system.