Genetics and Genomics
Our scientists study heredity and gene function in humans and a variety of model organisms. They analyze entire genomes, exploring DNA sequences, gene expression, and genetic variations across populations. This research can lead to advances in medicine, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and biotechnology.
Members
-
The Apfeld Lab studies how the brain regulates aging and resilience in C. elegans to uncover fundamental principles that could lead to new therapies for age-related human diseases.
-
Research in the Cram Lab focuses on cell migration and mechanotransduction in the C. elegans reproductive system—the intersection of cell biology and engineering.
-
The Davidi Lab conducts research in phyto-molecular biotechnology, with a focus on biofuels, natural products, and extreme environment adaptation.
-
Dr. Day studies the mechanisms that control normal and pathogenic functions of G quadruplex DNA, a non-canonical DNA structure that forms readily in guanine-rich sequences, with the goal of designing therapeutic strategies for human disease.
-
The Geisinger Lab investigates the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance and disease development in infections with hospital-acquired pathogens.
-
The Godoy Lab investigates the regulation of the bacterial DNA damage responses (DDR) and the mutagenic Y-family DNA polymerases that are part of the DDR.
-
Dr. Ionescu’s research centers on skeletal development and pathology with an emphasis on tissue regeneration and repair after injury.
-
Dr. Kahn explores the ethical and legal ramifications of the increasing use of racial and ethnic categories in the context of gene patenting and drug development.
-
Dr. Khrapko’s lab studies mutations in mtDNA and their effects on cellular physiology, aging, and disease, while also using these mutations to trace mtDNA lineages and study human evolution.
-
The Monaghan Lab uses the axolotl salamander to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of complex tissue regeneration for potential application to human injury and disease treatment.
-
The Takacs Lab studies the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, its tick vector, and their interactions through a set of genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches.
-
Dr. Tilly investigates genetic and epigenetic drivers of cell lineage specification, differentiation, and death to develop innovative technologies that improve human health within and across generations.
-
The Wang Lab studies chloroplast function in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to identify targets for bioengineering crops and algae with improved photosynthesis efficiency, environmental stress resistance, yields, and sustainability.
-
Dr. Woods studies the role of mitochondria in normal and disease states, with a major emphasis on female reproductive function and health.
Interested in working with us?
In the news
-
Research
How do axolotls regenerate limbs and organs? This researcher has started to uncover the secret
New research by James Monaghan, professor of biology, shows that the key to axolotl limb regeneration is retinoic acid. Could this be the key to human limb regeneration in the future? -
Research
Patagonian ‘living rocks’ trace their origins to the beginning of life on Earth
Veronica Godoy-Carter, professor of Biology and Biochemistry, has sequenced the genome of a “living hill” or bacterial colony found in Patagonia. -
Research
New Northeastern research could revolutionize treatment for children’s growth plate fractures using stem cells
Andreia Ionescu, assistant professor of biology, is conducting research to understand how stem cells can be used to treat bone fractures. -
New Northeastern lab plumbs the mysteries of the ticks and bacteria that cause Lyme
Constantin Takacs of Northeastern loves to study black-legged deer ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi, which is good news for everybody else -
How these worms avoid getting poisoned
After the microscopic roundworms he was studying survived a toxic chemical environment, professor Javier Apfeld was intrigued to discover their tactic for protection against chemical foe. -
A Northeastern-led team is uprooting modern reproductive biology
A March 2022 study from the two Northeastern biology professors’ labs, spearheaded by biology Ph.D. students Hannah Alberico and Zoe Fleischmann, further affirmed the existence of ovarian stem cells in humans, indicating humans may not have a fixed number of eggs from birth and that the body is capable of producing more. The discovery turns modern reproductive biology on its head. -
This superbug dodges antibiotics. He’s finding a way to kill it.
Edward Geisinger, assistant professor of Biology at Northeastern, studies bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii that frequently infects hospital patients, and is resistant to antibiotics.