Mutagenesis, Mutational Pathways, and DNA Repair

Our laboratory uses genetic systems to analysis mutations, and to uncover new mutational pathways and DNA repair pathways.  We have developed a series of novel detection methods.  We have pioneered the use of multi-copy cloning of genomic, cross species genomic, and metagenomic DNA as a method for detecting new mutational pathways.  We have examined DNA repair processes in bacteria, archaea, mice, and humans.

Active areas of investigation include: (1) using high through-put methods to screen the entire collection of Escherichia coli knockout strains for new mutators, and for assigning unkown genes to functions related to recombination, replication, and repair; genes involved in ; (2) Using an array of fusions linking the promoters and control regions of genes involved in replcation, recombination, and repair to study the regulation of these genes; (3) Determining the mechanism of several new mutagenesis pathways we discovered; (4) Studying mutagenesis and DNA repair in Bacillus anthracis.

Protein Music:  The search for auditory signals in amino acid sequences

The goal of this work is to convert genome-encoded protein sequences into musical notes to reveal auditory patterns without compromising musicality. We derived a reduced 13-note scale by pairing similar amino acids and distinguishing them using variations of three-note chords and codon distribution to dictate rhythm.  The conversion will help make genomic coding sequences more approachable for the general public, young children, and vision-impaired scientists.