This branch of genetics investigates how genes control embryonic development and cell differentiation. Using a variety of preclinical models, researchers study the mechanisms of how genes impact developmental processes, pattern formation and cellular differentiation that are related to human disease.

Faculty in this research group collaborate and work with students and trainees to break new ground in the broad field of developmental genetics. Current areas of study include:

  • Bone development
  • Bone disease states (e.g., Paget's disease)
  • Craniofacial development (e.g., craniosynostosis)
  • Differentiation therapy of cancer
  • Globin gene expression
  • MITF genes in eye development and melanoma
  • Neighbor-specific gene expression during mouse embryonic development
  • Role of cell competition in cancer development
Fisher Lab

Faculty

Explore faculty research interests and recent publications by clicking the photos below. 

Swadesh Das, Ph.D.

Swadesh Das, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Swadesh Das, Ph.D.

Swadesh Das, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Research interests: Genomic changes in the development of cancer, with a specific focus on melanoma

Email: swadesh.das@vcuhealth.org

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Publications

Luni Emdad, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Luni Emdad, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Luni Emdad, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Luni Emdad, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Research interests: Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) interacting molecules involved in cancer progression, possible cancer stemness and angiogenesis toward developing novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit cancer progression

Email: luni.emdad@vcuhealth.org

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Publications

Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI

Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI

Professor

Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI

Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI

Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Director of the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine

Research interests: Molecular basis of cancer and neurodegeneration, development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for related diseases

Email: paul.fisher@vcuhealth.org

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Publications

Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.

Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.

Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Email: Rajan.Gogna@vcuhealth.org

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Publications

James Lister, Ph.D.

James Lister, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

James Lister, Ph.D.

James Lister, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Research interests: Specification and differentiation of pigment cells in zebrafish development, specifically defining the role of the mitfa protein in zebrafish melanocytic differentiation

Email: james.lister@vcuhealth.org 

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Publications

Joyce A. Lloyd, Ph.D.

Joyce A. Lloyd, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus

Joyce A. Lloyd, Ph.D.

Joyce A. Lloyd, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Professor Emeritus

Research interests: Developmental regulation of the globin genes in erythroid cells and in the genes controlling erythroid development

Email: joyce.lloyd@vcu.edu

Publications

Rita Shiang, Ph.D.

Rita Shiang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Rita Shiang, Ph.D.

Rita Shiang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Graduate Program Director and Chair of Admissions

Research interests: Studying the genes that cause craniosynostosis in humans and zebrafish

Email: rita.shiang@vcuhealth.org

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Publications

Jolene Windle, Ph.D.

Jolene Windle, Ph.D.

Professor and Eminent Scholar

Jolene Windle, Ph.D.

Jolene Windle, Ph.D.

Professor and Eminent Scholar

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Eminent Scholar and Director of the Massey Cancer Center Transgenic Mouse Core

Research interests: Role of oncogenes in mouse mammary tumorigenesis and the development of new transgenic mouse technologies

Email: jolene.windle@vcuhealth.org

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Publications