Mentor Areas
My lab focuses on the study of meiosis and the biology of reproduction in mice and humans. Meiosis, a cell division unique to germ cells, allows the reciprocal exchange of genetic material between paternal and maternal genomes. Meiosis generates the genetic diversity necessary for evolution of species. Abnormality in meiosis is a leading cause of birth defects and infertility. Our research interests include molecular genetics of chromosomal synapsis, DNA double-strand break repair, homologous recombination, genetic causes of male infertility in humans, piRNA biogenesis, epigenetic silencing of transposable elements, and development of novel male contraceptives. We have performed two genome-wide screens to identify novel factors that regulate germ cell development in mice: a genomics screen has identified 36 germ cell-specific genes; a proteomics screen has uncovered more than 50 meiotic chromatin-associated proteins. Functional characterization of a number of new genes in our laboratory has uncovered novel regulatory mechanisms underlying key biological processes unique to germ cells. On one hand, our studies provide molecular insights into the development of germ cells in mice. On the other hand, these mouse studies have important implications for understanding the genetic causes of male infertility in humans and identify targets for male contraception. We employ a battery of the state-of-the-art technologies in our research: gene targeting, genome editing, genomics, proteomics, cell biological and molecular biological approaches.
Description:
The projects are to study reproduction-specific genes by gene expression and state-of-the art genome-editing technologies. Suitable for students who are interested in seeking a career in research or applying for professional schools such as medical schools and graduate schools. For specific projects, please talk to Dr. Jeremy Wang.
Preferred Qualifications
Biology major is preferred. You will work on your own projects under supervision of a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow and participate in lab meetings on a regular basis.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=w1bWD4YAAAAJ&hl=en
Details:
Preferred Student Year
Second-Year, Junior
Academic Term
Fall
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.