Our lab uses the nematode C. elegans as a model system for two areas of research:

1) Modulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling

2) Mesoderm patterning and fate diversification

C. elegans is a great model system because of the availability of its entire cell lineage map, the powerful forward and reverse genetic tools, and the complete genome sequence. These allow the rapid identification of genes important in BMP signaling or mesoderm development, and subsequent functional studies of these gene products at single-cell resolution. Details of each of our research areas can be found on the Research page.