Genomics/Genetics
Valerie Arboleda, MD, PhD
Functional Genomic Approaches to Identify Mechanisms in Human Disease
The Arboleda lab is broadly interested in the discovery, functional analysis, and therapeutic targeting of genes that are altered in human disease. We seek to understand how different types of genetic changes affect the function of human genes and influence the molecular phenotype within a single cell. By understanding the underlying function of a genetic mutation at its fundamental level, we can identify potential targeted therapies for a wide variety of clinical diseases. The research lab leverages genomic tools to understand how both rare and common human genetic variation contribute to and cause human disease. As the sequencing technology has matured, one of the major challenges in genomics is interpreting the majority of the DNA base pairs that are sequenced within an individual -- an important next step in integration of research findings into the clinical setting. Continued >>
Thomas Drake, MD
Integrating genetics and gene expression to study complex disease pathogenesis
Naturally occurring genetic variation among individuals affects many if not most complex biologic processes to some measurable degree. This variation can be exploited in experimental populations by integrating genetics and large scale gene expression analyses ("genetical genomics"), with measurements of the disease or process of interest. This combination allows the identification of causal relationships between genes and phenotypes, and the development of models of the complex interactions involved in disease pathogenesis. Continued >>
Wayne Grody, MD, PhD
Molecular genetics of metabolic and heritable neoplastic diseases
Utilizing modern molecular biologic techniques such as gene cloning, microarray hybridization, and gene transfer, my laboratory is involved in the elucidation, diagnosis and ultimately treatment of single-gene defects at the molecular level. Using human arginase deficiency, a defect in the urea cycle, as a model system, we are exploring, in close collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Cederbaum, the molecular structure and tissue-specific regulation of the arginase genes in health and disease. More Info >>
Orphan Disease Testing Center >>
Siavash Kurdistani, MD
Cancer epigenetics
Chromatin is a highly condensed complex of nucleic acid and basic proteins whose fundamental subunit, the nucleosome, has the same type of design in all eukaryotes. The nucleosome contains ~200 bp of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histones consisting of two copies of each histone H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. All histones are modified by covalent linkage of extra chemical moieties to the free groups of certain amino acids.
Xinmin Li, PhD
Research Interests: Dr. Li's research focuses on the identification and characterization of genetic variations that affect complex diseases. He uses an integrated genomic approach to investigate global mRNA/miRNA expression, copy number variation, single nucleotide polymorphism and DNA-protein interaction by primarily using microarray- and next generation sequencing-based technologies for initial screening and siRNA/miRNA-mediated technologies for functional screening. His ultimate goal is to identify genetic variations of clinical importance. Continued >>
Stanley Nelson, MD
Dr. Nelson is interested in technology development and application of genomics to cancer biology and common human diseases with active research areas in Autism, ADHD, vertigo and brain cancers. He developed and continues to direct the UCLA DNA Microarray Facility which provides access to whole genome expression array analysis for faculty on campus and for the NIH Neuroscience Blueprint. His current interest is in the development and application of technologies for whole genome sequencing and cancer genome sequencing. More Info >>
Bogdan Pasaniuc, PhD
Dr. Pasaniuc is primarily interested in statistical and computational methods for understanding genetic risk factors for common diseases with a particular focus in the study of admixed populations.