Research Units

The Algorithms for Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics Unit develops computer algorithms for core problems in genomics to study the genomes of every extant species on our planet.

The Biological Design Unit investigates what determines biological forms by untangling the evolution of structural functions and organismal development in the changing climate.

The Cell Division Dynamics Unit studies the mechanisms of chromosome segregation and cell fate determination during mitosis with a focus on mitotic spindle assembly and positioning in cultured human cells and Medaka embryos.

Every day, millions of cells divide to sustain essential tissue functions. Errors in this process can lead to developmental disorders or cancer. Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cell division and quality control in both normal and cancer cells, aiming to uncover how cells maintain genomic stability and regulate proliferation. By integrating high-throughput imaging, gene editing, and genome-wide screening, we seek to expand our understanding of these fundamental processes and how their dysregulation contributes to cancer. Our lab is driven by a curiosity-based approach, grounded in the belief that fundamental research is essential for uncovering the principles that govern life. By investigating the intricate mechanisms controlling cell division, genome maintenance, and cellular quality control, we aim to reveal how these processes go awry in cancer. Through this knowledge, we strive to identify cancer-specific vulnerabilities, discover novel biomarkers, and open new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Using a mouse model, the Cell Signal Unit explores the cause of various diseases that include cancer, neuronal disorders, immunological diseases, and diabetes/obesity at the molecular level....

Research projects of the Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit include (1) anatomical and physiological dissections of the nervous systems of basal metazoans, mainly on diffused and regionally cond...

The Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit combines computational and experimental methods to study principles of gene regulation during early organismal development, using Oikopleura dioica as a model organism.

We use the genomes of Neandertals and Denisovans, the closest evolutionary relatives of present-day humans, to identify genomic variants that are unique to modern humans.

The Marine Structural Biology Unit uses cryoelectron tomography and single particle cryoelectron microscopy to understand various aspects of coral biology in unprecedented detail.

The human body is composed of ~37 trillion cells, all of which are surrounded by a plasma membrane. We aim to understand the relationship between plasma membrane damage and multiple pathophysiological processes including aging.

Our unit focuses on understanding how environmental changes impact soil microbes, particularly those that are symbiotic with or pathogenic to plants, and drive biogeochemical cycling.

The Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit investigates the structure of macromolecular complexes with an emphasis on viruses, ion channels, and membrane proteins. The unit seeks better und...

The Molecular Neuroscience Unit investigates the mechanisms and consequences of the transport of information from the neuronal periphery to the center in health and disease.

Nucleic acids DNA and RNA are fundamental building blocks of life. These biomolecules display remarkable chemical functions such as information storage, catalysis, and molecular recognition....

The major goal of our research is to understand biological significance of epigenetic regulation of genes and transposons for environmental adaptation and genome evolution in plants.