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
Faculty
Explore faculty research interests and recent publications by clicking the photos below.
Swadesh Das, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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
Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI
Professor
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
Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Rajan Gogna, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Human and Molecular Genetics
Email: Rajan.Gogna@vcuhealth.org
Rita Shiang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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
Jolene Windle, Ph.D.
Professor and Eminent Scholar
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