We're gonna need a bigger server!!!!!!! Genome sequencing of the White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias:
In February 2019, my work under Dr. Michael Stanhope at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Mahmood Shivji at Nova Southeastern University resulted in the first genome sequence for a Lamnid shark and perhaps the most charismatic shark species known, the White Shark. The work that my collaborators (Nathaniel Jue at CSUMB, Sal Jorgensen at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Steve O'Brien at Nova Southeastern among many others) and I published showed that the White shark has a LARGE genome at more than 1.5X the size of the human genome that is filled with interesting patterns such as selection on genes associated with genome stability and puzzling patterns such as an extremely low number of genes involved in olfaction despite their well known ability to smell! Now we are continuing to investigate some of the ongoing questions from the genome such as telomere length and telomerase activity. This work was funded primarily by the Guy Harvey Institute, the Save Our Seas Foundation, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Comparative transcriptomics and genomics of Elasmobranchs:
As part of the genome sequencing project we conducted earlier studies in elasmobranchs and teleosts to conduct RNA-sequencing and look at gene content that differed between bony (Teleost) and cartilaginous (Chondrichthyes) fishes. This included fascinating differences in gene content related to immune function and selection on several genes, including one, Legumain that is responsible for processing molecules to be presented on the cell's exterior for identification of pathogens.
Genetic basis of osmoregulation in desert rodents and marine species:
We are beginning efforts to mine existing RNA-seq datasets to identify genes that show similar patterns of gene expression for marine fishes and desert rodents which each experience strict osmoregulatory stress and requirements to efficiently retain water.
In February 2019, my work under Dr. Michael Stanhope at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Mahmood Shivji at Nova Southeastern University resulted in the first genome sequence for a Lamnid shark and perhaps the most charismatic shark species known, the White Shark. The work that my collaborators (Nathaniel Jue at CSUMB, Sal Jorgensen at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Steve O'Brien at Nova Southeastern among many others) and I published showed that the White shark has a LARGE genome at more than 1.5X the size of the human genome that is filled with interesting patterns such as selection on genes associated with genome stability and puzzling patterns such as an extremely low number of genes involved in olfaction despite their well known ability to smell! Now we are continuing to investigate some of the ongoing questions from the genome such as telomere length and telomerase activity. This work was funded primarily by the Guy Harvey Institute, the Save Our Seas Foundation, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Comparative transcriptomics and genomics of Elasmobranchs:
As part of the genome sequencing project we conducted earlier studies in elasmobranchs and teleosts to conduct RNA-sequencing and look at gene content that differed between bony (Teleost) and cartilaginous (Chondrichthyes) fishes. This included fascinating differences in gene content related to immune function and selection on several genes, including one, Legumain that is responsible for processing molecules to be presented on the cell's exterior for identification of pathogens.
Genetic basis of osmoregulation in desert rodents and marine species:
We are beginning efforts to mine existing RNA-seq datasets to identify genes that show similar patterns of gene expression for marine fishes and desert rodents which each experience strict osmoregulatory stress and requirements to efficiently retain water.