Mammalian skin and its appendages function as the outermost barrier of the body to protect inner organs from environmental hazards and keep essential fluid within. We are interested in the elucidation of gene expression regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors and miRNAs among others in mammalian skin development, stem cells and cancer. Specifically, we are developing research programs in the following areas: identify and study gene expression regulatory networks in different skin lineages and skin cancer; investigation of individual gene functions with combinatorial approaches in mouse genetics, cell biology, molecular biology and large scale genomic tools; elucidating the molecular mechanisms of gene functions by systematically identifying their physiological targets; exploring potential roles of other regulatory RNAs and proteins in mammalian skin. Our goal is to manipulate skin stem cells for regenerative medicine and discover new treatment for human skin diseases.
keywords
Genomic regulation of gene expression, stem cell biology, developmental biology, RNA biology, mouse genetics, genomic tools, cancer biology
MCDB 4615 - Biology of Stem Cells
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. Examines the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 3135 or MCDB 3145 or instructor consent required. Same as MCDB 5615.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 5615 - Biology of Stem Cells
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. Examines the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Same as MCDB 4615.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
