Research
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the foundational germline cells that eventually give rise to egg and sperm. Because PGCs carry physical materials transferred from one generation to the next, proper PGC development is crucial to individuals, to societies, and to species. Given this importance, PGCs are often set aside very early in embryogenesis, well before the testis or ovaries are formed, and must migrate through several tissues to reach the developing ovaries and testes. Our group is interested in understanding how PGCs reach their destination and embryonic gonad development that follows.
The Questions that Drive Us:
What are the genetic and non-genetic factors guide migratory PGCs?
How are potent reproductive signals, such as signaling isoprenoids, spatiotemporally controlled in early gonad development?
How is PGC migration coordinated with other reproductive developmental processes?
Can our fundamental reproductive developmental biology discoveries be used to shed light on genetic and environmental risk factors for germ cell tumors?
The Tools We Make and Use:
Gene editing to make single, double...quintuple mutant animals
Genetically encoded hormone and small molecule biosensors
Spatiotemporal expression systems for targeted screens
Fixed and live whole animal fluorescence imaging
Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
ex vivo PGC migration and survival assays
Cell-type specific transcriptomics
Endpoint fecundity and fertility assessments