What We Do
The Marine Genomics Laboratory is a molecular biology lab in Marine Biology and Fisheries at the
University of Miami's
Rosenstiel School of
Marine at Atmospheric Science. The overall goal of
this laboratory is to apply functional genomics to better
understand evolutionary adaptation. Our studies
integrate molecular analysis of promoters, transcription
analysis (including microarray studies), biochemistry,
physiology, ecology, and phylogeny to understand the
evolution and functional importance of gene expression.
We use microarrays constructed from cDNAs of expressed
sequence tags (ESTs) from the teleost fish Fundulus
heteroclitus to investigate natural variation in gene
expression. We combine quantitative measures of mRNA
expression (i.e., microarray studies) with determination of
biochemical, metabolic, and other physiological traits to
provide functional information about changes in gene
expressions. The evolution of gene expression is
investigated by phylogenetic analyses comparing gene
expression among related groups of fish or by the analysis
of the DNA sequences that regulate gene expression.
The ecological importance of gene expression
is being undertaken as a collaborative research program with
five other investigators throughout the United States.
To aid research in these fields, we provide protocols for standard molecular techniques and techniques specific to functional genomic research. In addition, links to websites that provide complementary information are provided.
The Marine Genomics Laboratory has excellent facilities for conducting research.
Who We Are
Members of the Marine Genomics Center (left to right): Meredith Vaughan (grad student), Jaros (Omm) Phinchongsakuldit (postdoc), Michelle Lupei (grad student), Douglas Crawford (P.I.), Jen Roach (research associate), Andrew Whitehead (postdoc). Not pictured: Jeff VanWye (research associate).
"DNA is playdough in our hands" - image by Lynn Barnett
