![]() Research
Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mutations called gene amplifications and copy number variations (CNVs). Many important biological phenomena, including cancer, infectious diseases, and bioremediation, depend on these mutations to evolve rapidly to their changing environments. Still, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear for all organisms. Our lab aims to unravel these central mysteries along with developing various CNV-related applications, such as discovering new genomic biomarkers for early cancer detection and treatment. In order to study gene amplifications and copy number variations, our lab utilizes some of the most genetically tractable organisms: bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Acinetobacter baylyi. The projects are accessible to undergraduate and Master’s students. Students are trained in important multidisciplinary areas that bridge classical and modern genetics with microbiology, molecular biology, experimental evolution, statistics, and computation. Publications Our latest publication made the cover of the March 2023 issue of the journal Genetics. Artwork by Dr. Semarhy Quiñones-Soto. Here's a link to our latest publication with 17 student authors: Jennifer A Herrmann, Agata Koprowska, Tesa J Winters, Nancy Villanueva, Victoria D Nikityuk, Feini Pek, Elizabeth M Reis, Constancia Z Dominguez, Daniel Davis, Eric McPherson, Staci R Rocco, Cynthia Recendez, Shyla M Difuntorum, Kelly Faeth, Mario D Lopez, Habeeba M Awwad, Rola A Ghobashy, Lauren Cappiello, Ellen L Neidle, Semarhy Quiñones-Soto, Andrew B Reams (2022). Gene amplification mutations originate prior to selective stress in Acinetobacter baylyi. G3 Genes| Genomes| Genetics. doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkac327 Free access to our other publications can be found using either of the following two sites: Lab Photos
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Current Lab Members:
Drew Reams (Professor) Semarhy Quiñones (Co-Investigator) Jennifer Herrmann (Masters program) Victoria Nikityuk (Masters program) Hanna Franklin (Masters program) Feini Pek Staci Rocco Heidi Solis Reyna Sharma Lorence Ramazzini Glenn Tseng Desiree Caruthers Lab Alumni: Agata Koprowska, Nancy Villanueva, Tesa Winters, Katherine Bennett, Elizabeth Reis, Ryan Staley, Jennifer Serrano, Constancia Dominguez, Daniel Davis, Lamrot Tulu, Cynthia Recendez, Ayesha Shabbir, Mario Lopez, Rola Ghobashy, Habeeba Awwad, Kelly Faeth, Shyla Difuntorum, Austin Widdershoven, Raylene Olmos, Mariela Vega, Stephanie Avalos, Itzel Cardozo, Sam Cabral, Shannon Clayton, Nathalie Villegas, Eric McPherson, Cody Lee, Josephine Sami, Abraham Sugay, Renee Avila, Heather "Andy" Geyer, Alejandra Ahumada, Caitlin Harris, Sinai Yoo, Janeé Carter, Gerard LaBlue, Katlyn Lewis, Sophia Romero, Jasmin Suazo, Daniela Tapia-Acosta, Maggie Cortez, Paul Riling, Rebecca Preto, Kristen DeBacker, Jaime Fuentes, Emily Barentson, Anthony Milani, and Lance "Teo" Courtney |