We are a new lab at the University of British Columbia, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the UBC Life Sciences Institute. We use the Drosophila oocyte as a model system for understanding how translation is controlled in vivo and how translation goes awry during aging and in disorders ranging from premature ovarian failure to autism.
We combine a variety of molecular and genomic approaches (e.g. ribosome profiling, RNA sequencing, single molecule FISH, CRISPR gene-editing) with phenotypic screening to identify critical factors and discover their molecular functions. Given the deep conservation between human and Drosophila biology, we believe that past and future discoveries will lead to fundamental insights into the basis for inherited ovarian and neurodevelopmental disorders and for the normal decline in function associated with aging. Diverse communities are happier, healthier, and more productive. We strive to create an environment in which differences are embraced, people feel heard, and respectful criticisms and critiques are welcome. We value community engagement, and we consider kindness, honesty, and integrity to be our guiding principles. A short video introduction (produced by Carnegie Embryology's extraordinary IT staff):
|