We study genetics of insect-pathogen interactions, asking why individuals vary in resistance to infection, how the immune response embeds in overall host physiology, and how natural selection acts on the immune system.

Our research interests focus on molecular mechanisms by which promoters and enhancers regulate gene expression. We use state-of-the-art genome-wide assays and analyses to evaluate the interplay of chromatin architecture and transcription regulation.

Population genetics; evolutionary genomics; computational biology

We aim to understand how aberrations in mechanisms governing stem cell niches may lead to cancer in the female reproductive tract, prostate and stomach. Our research approaches include organoid cultures, mouse modeling, and genome modifications.

Molecular regulation of meiotic recombination

Molecular mechanisms of genomeåÊstability and evolution; novel transposon targeting mechanisms recognizing DNAåÊreplication and RNA-based systems utilizing CRISPR/Cas

Translational regulation, RNA modification, genetic recoding

The Pugh lab studies molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic gene and genome regulation, involving molecular, genetic, and computational techniques.

RNA biology, translational regulation, protein quality control

Role of cell division and growth in plant development and patterning

Development and function of the immune system

Dr. Schimenti‰Ûªs lab studies the genetics of fertility, development, and genome maintance in mice. Specific projects concern germline development and genetic quality control; the relationship between genomic instability, inflammation and cancer; and modeling human disease alleles in mice.

Role of non-coding RNAs (in particular microRNAs) in genetic, microbial, dietary, and environmental control of health and disease, primarily in diabetes, dyslipidemia, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including Crohn’s disease, and liver/GI cancers

Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms; chromatin states in the CNS; gene-environment interactions