Quiana Hunter does a DNA miniprep
Quiana Hunter performing plasmid isolations

RESEARCH

Our research is focused on exploring the structure and evolution of eukaryotic genomes (principally crop/tree species) using genomic, cytogenetic, and molecular biology techniques.  By elucidating and comparing the sequences of genes and repeat sequences from a diverse group of organisms, we hope to illuminate trends in molecular evolution and discover those sequences responsible for economic and adaptive traits.  Such research will ultimately lead to crop improvement through marker-aided selection strategies and/or genetic engineering.  Additionally, we are investigating repetitive DNA sequences and their role in genome evolution.    By integrating cytological, molecular, and genomic data, we are working to illuminate relationships between DNA sequence, chromosome structure, gene expression, and recombination.

Current Research Projects

MGEL is involved in numerous research endeavors. Click on the links below to learn more about MGEL's major research projects.

LOBLOLLY PINE

OTHER PLANTS

ANIMALS

DATA ANALYSIS


Past Projects

MGEL has collaborated on many other research projects including genome studies on plants, animals, fungi, and prokaryotes.  Some of these projects are listed below:

Species (common name) BAC library production CBCS &/or Cot-filtration Cot analysis Collaborators Research status Refereed Publications
Triticum aestivum (bread wheat) no yes no B.S. Gill (KS State U) complete Lamoureux et al. 2005  
Gallus gallus (chicken) no yes no R. Ivarie & A.H. Paterson (U of GA) complete Wicker et al. 2005  
Vitis vinifera (grape) yes no no J.P. Tomkins (Clemson U) complete Tomkins et al. 2001  
  Homo sapiens (human) no yes no J. Dennis (Harvard U) complete Dennis et al. 2007  
  soil microbes no no yes J. Bunge (Cornell U) & S. Epstein (NEU) complete Bunge et al. 2006  

Technical Expertise

The MGEL staff has expertise in a number of research fields. These include (but are not limited to):
DNA Libraries | Bioinformatics | Cot Analysis | Cot Filtration & CBCS | Cytogenetics