FACULTY - DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
ABOUHEIF, Ehab
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Evolutionary developmental biology: comparative and functional gene expression studies in ants and other insects are used to study the evolution of developmental regulatory genes and gene networks; the importance of ecological influences on development and evolution; and the relationship between molecular and morphological evolution.
BOUCHARD, Maxime
Assistant Professor, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University
Developmental Genetics of the urogenital system; Mouse models of developmental diseases and urogenital cancer; Apoptotic morphogenesis; Regulation of tyrosine kinase signaling; Transcriptional networks.
BROWN, Gregory
Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Organization and expression of plant mitochondrial DNA; cytoplasmic male sterility in plants.
CARBONETTO, Salvatore
Director, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, McGill University
Molecular and cellular studies of synapse formation and muscular dystrophy. Structure/function studies of dystrophin-associated proteins using biochemical and recombinant DNA methods as well as transgenic mice.
CAYOUETTE, Michel
Research Unit Director, Cellular Neurobiology, IRCM
We are interested in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating: 1) Cell-fate specification in the developing mouse retina. 2) Cell polarity formation during mouse nervous system development. 3) Retinal stem/progenitor cell differentiation and their potential for cell replacement therapies in retinal degenerative diseases.
CHARRON, Frédéric
Research Unit Director, Molecular Biology of Neural Developement, IRCM
The brain is composed of billions of neurons that must connect with an appropriate set of targets to form the neuronal circuits that underlie brain function. Inappropriate wiring of these neuronal connections leads to abnormalities affecting the sensory, motor and cognitive functions of the nervous system. Our goal is to understand how axons find their targets during embryonic development, a process known as “axon guidance”. In addition, we are also studying the molecular mechanisms underlying brain cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. We have discovered unexpected links between brain tumorigenesis and axon guidance which might help treat nervous system injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain tumors.
CLARKE, Hugh
Human Reproduction and Development Axis, MUHC
Mammalian oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Changes in chromatin composition during oogenesis and early embryogenesis and following nuclear transplantation, with the aim of understanding how they influence gene expression. Expression and activity of factors that control these chromatin modifications. Signalling mechanisms that regulate oocyte growth.
DANKORT, David
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Cancer represents a failure of built-in protection mechanisms to quell rogue cells that have sustained oncogenic mutations. Paradoxically, many of the same mutated oncogenes that cause cancer also elicit a permanent growth arrest (senescence) or induce apoptotic cell death of primary cells: two such oncogenes are RAS and BRAF. One research goal of my laboratory is to determine mechanistically how a tumour cell subverts these growth restraints leading to unbridled proliferation and ultimately malignancy. We will use the power of mammalian genetics in ‘state-of-the-art’ genetically engineered mouse model and cell culture systems to define causative roles for RAS and BRAF-cooperating genes involved in lung cancer and melanoma developments and progression.
DENT, Joseph
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Molecular genetics of behaviour in C. elegans. Understanding the structure and function of ligand-gated chloride channels, how they are integrated into the synapse, and how they contribute to behavioural circuits. Evolution of channel subunit diversity. Developing new tools for the analysis of nervous systems.
DRAPEAU, Pierre
Directeur, Département de Département de pathologie et biologie cellulaire, Université de Montréal
Development of the locomotor network of the zebrafish. Electrophysiological studies of neural circuit formation during normal development and in mutants with selective locomotor defects.
DUFORT, Daniel
Department of Obstectrics & Gynecology, McGill University
My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the process of embryo implantation. We have demonstrated that the embryo secertes Wnt proteins which activate Wnt signaling in the uterus. We further demonstrated that inhibition of Wnt signaling impairs the implantation process illustrating the importance of this pathway in embryo implantation (in press, PNAS). This project will be aimed at characterizing the function of Wnt signaling in the uterus during the implantation process.
DUNN, Robert
Centre for Research in Neuroscience, McGill University
Molecular and cellular analysis of brain function with an emphasis on the neural systems for sensation and perception. In collaboration with neurophysiologists, we are working to unravel the molecular biology of ion channels and other neuronal signalling systems. We use molecular cloning in combination with cell biology, electrophysiology and viral expression vectors to understand how neurons encode the maps and sensory codes in the brain.
FAGOTTO, François
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Our group is interested in two related subjects. Firstly, the mechanisms regulating signal transduction by ß–catenin, focusing in particular on the role of subcellular localization and trafficking of the various components. Secondly, the integration of cell signaling and regulation of cell adhesion/cytoskeleton during morphogenetic movements, using gastrulating Xenopus embryos as a model system. One of our candidate “integrators” is ß–catenin, which has a dual function in signaling and cell-cell adhesion.
HARRISON, Paul
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Bioinformatics and computational biology. Genome evolution and annotation; analysis and annotation of pseudogenes and their implications; protein folding, amyloidgenesis and the prion phenomenon; methods for protein structure predictio.
HASTINGS, Ken
Researcher, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University
Muscle gene regulation, evolution of muscle gene families and muscle cell subtypes, evolution and function of SL trans-splicing in the chordates.
HEKIMI, Siegfried
Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Molecular genetics of aging. To understand the mechanisms that govern the life span of animals, we use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as well as mice and human cells in culture to identify and characterize genes that affect physiological rates, including the rate of aging.
KANIA, Artur
Research Unit Director, Neural Circuit Development, IRCM
Our bodies interact with the external world through voluntary movement mediated by motor neurons transmitting the summation of the motor system’s activity to somatic muscles. To understand how neural circuits controlling motor activity are assembled, we are focussing on spinal motor neurons by studying their axon guidance, soma migration, apoptosis and electrical activity during embryogenesis.
KMITA, Marie
Research Unit Director, Genetics and Development, IRCM
Genetics and development.
LASKO, Paul
Professor (and Chair), Department of Biology, McGill University
The vasa and Bicaudal-C genes and their functions in establishing polarity in the Drosophila oocyte. The role of RNA helicases in gene regulation. Translation initiation in Drosophila melanogaster.
MANDATO, Craig
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University
The in vivo relationship of cytoskeletal systems characterizing the molecular basis of interactions during cell division and cellular wound healing. This work is expected to advance research on the molecular pathology of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, as well as neuronal regeneration following injury.
MOON, Nam-Sung
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Molecular genetics of cancer genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Multiple genetic changes are responsible for the development of human cancer. Often, genes that are altered in cancers are evolutionarily conserved and their functions can be studied in a model organism such as the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). My research is focused on studying cancer related genes using Drosophila as a model organism. In particular, I am interested in understanding the in vivo function of RBF1, the Drosophila homologue of the RB (Retinoblastoma) gene, which is functionally inactivated in most types of cancer.
NILSON, Laura
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Developmental genetics in Drosophila melanogaster. Identification and analysis of genes required in the somatic follicle cells of the ovary for patterning of the future embryo. Genetic and molecular analysis of organization and morphogenesis of the ovarian follicular epithelium.
RAO, Yong
Centre for Research in Neuroscience, MUHC
The molecular mechanism of axonal guidance and target recognition in the fly visual system and the molecular mechanism of neuronal migration.
ROY, Richard
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
The normal development of an organism depends on the precise orchestration of cell division, differentiation and morphogenesis. Although much is understood about how developmental regulatory genes affect cell differentiation, little is understood about how they control cell proliferation throughout development. Using genetic analysis and molecular approaches in C. elegans, the Roy laboratory is engaged in the identification and characterization of both novel and previously known genes which affect cell division throughout the course of postembryonic development in C. elegans.
SCHOECK, Frieder
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
We study cell-matrix adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton, in particular, how integrin-associated proteins regulate adhesion during muscle attachment and myofibril assembly in the fruit fly Drosophila. Our research will shed light on the regulation of integrin adhesion and its coordination with the actin cytoskeleton, and will lead to a better understanding of muscle disorders.
STIFANI, Stefano
Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University
We are interested in elucidating the processes controlling the generation of neural cell diversity from pluripotent stem/progenitor cells. We seek to clarify the molecular mechanisms regulating neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, commitment and differentiation. We aim at translating an increased knowledge of those mechanisms into a better understanding of the events that go awry in pathological conditions of the nervous caused by either uncontrolled cell proliferation or perturbation of differentiation processes. Moreover, we seek to develop strategies that may facilitate the design of approaches to promote tissue repair in response to trauma or disease.
van MEYEL, Donald
Centre for Research in Neuroscience, McGill University
Our research program is divided into two primary themes that focus on 1) the importance of interactions between neurons and glial cells during the development of the nervous system, and 2) the patterned growth and guidance of axons and dendrites. We are also interested in how perturbations of these processes contribute to neurological diseases, and how improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms can be used to promote repair in the injured or diseased CNS. To explore these two themes, we use the advanced genetics and molecular tools available for the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, in combination with biochemistry and high-resolution confocal microscopy.
VOGEL, Jackie
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
The mitotic spindle plays an essential role in the transmission of genetic information during cell division in all eukaryotic cells. Our research focuses on spindle dynamics and cell cycle control mechanisms. We use budding yeast as a model for the detailed analysis of these evolutionarily conserved processes, using high-resolution microscopy, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and the analysis of relevant genetic networks and protein structure-function relationships using genomic and bioinformatics methods.
WATT, Alanna
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Development of neuronal circuits and the early patterned network activity that is thought to play a role in this process. Using electrophysiology combined with two-photon and confocal imaging, my lab studies how network activity and other early events play a role in sculpting the developing cerebellum.
WESTERN, Tamara
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Cell differentiation in Arabidopsis. Fertilization triggers a complex series events in the differentiation of the mucilage secretory cells of the Arabidopsis seed coat. Using a combination of cell biology and molecular genetics, our lab is dissecting the genes and proteins involved in a sequence of biosynthesis, secretion and intracellular cytoplasmic remodelling.
ZETKA, Monique
Associate Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
Proper chromosome morphogenesis is required for the faithful segregation of chromosomes during meiosis and can be readily studied in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The research goals of my laboratory are to investigate the function and regulation of meiotic chromosome organization using a combination of genetics, molecular biology, and high-resolution cytogenetics.
ZHENG, Hugo
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill University
The overall goal of my research is to understand how plant intracellular membrane trafficking is regulated as cell morphology changes during plant development and in response to environmental stresses. We are using a GFP-based living cell imaging technology combined with genetic approaches to study how plant genes control these important processes. Another research we are interested is to use reverse genetic and chemical genomic approaches to study the molecular regulation and function of very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis and secretion in the production of waxes, seed oils, and sphingolipids. |
