|
| Sex Determination and Gonadal Development |
| | Development of two distinct sexes is critical to the survival of animal species, and defects in sexual development in humans are both common and distressing. My group is studying the molecular and cellular biology of Sry and several other genes in order to understand their role in male sex determination and the defects that can result in sex reversal. We are also searching for other genes downstream in the sex-determining pathway, using expression screening approaches such as microarrays. We have recently begun to characterize the molecular events leading to ovarian development in the embryo, an important process about which little is currently known.
|
| Images: | |
|
|
| Sox Gene Function and Evolution |
| | As well as providing a point of entry to the sex-determining pathway, the discovery of Sry has led to the identification of a family of structurally related genes called Sox genes. The Sox gene family comprises 20 genes in humans and mice, known to be active during embryo development in specific subsets of tissues. We have identified several new members of this gene family and are examining their roles in mouse development. We are also interested in the phylogeny, evolution, and functional relationships between the various Sox genes and the factors they encode. |
|
|
| Molecular Genetics of Vascular Development |
| | We discovered a gene, Sox18, that is expressed transiently in endothelial cells during vascular formation in the embryo and in the adult. Mutations in Sox18 disrupt vascular development and/or function. We are currently studying the genetics and biology of the role of Sox18 and related genes in vascular development, and exploring the possibility that angiogenesis can be modulated by enhancing or suppressing Sox18 activity.
|
| Images: | |
|
|
| Development of Male Germ Cells |
| | As members of the ARC Centre for Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, we have begun to examine the specification and differentiation of the male germ line. This collaborative group aims to dissect the complex developmental networks underlying germ cell differentiation, with the aims of identifying genes involved in testicular and childhood cancers, elucidating mechanisms underlying idiopathic male infertility, developing new approaches to transgenic animal production, identification new targets for pest control, reprogramming germ cells for applications in biotechnology, and formulating innovative strategies for enhancing or suppressing fertility. |
| Images: | |
