I study the molecular mechanisms that control early development, using the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model organism. I am particularly interested in understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms used to silence mRNAs before they are needed, and then how the mRNAs are activated to allow translation to occur. The mechanisms involved are key to both maintaining immature eggs (oocytes) in an inactive state, and the subsequent activating event to become mature eggs, competent to be fertilized.
Students working on Xenopus development have demonstrated that the mRNA for the ifih1 gene is found in the immature oocytes held in prophase of meiosis I (Stage VI oocytes). We are working to characterize the putative function of the Ifih1 protein in oocytes and in the resumption of meiosis (oocyte maturation).
I am interested in the organization, evolution and function of eukaryotic genomes. As part of the Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) we work with undergraduate students to annotate genomes, providing both a resource for the research community and the data needed for our comparative genomic investigation into the evolution and function of genomes. Currently, we are working on understanding the characteristics of the dot chromosome (F element) in Drosophila species.
