Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology
The Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology (LGP) explores genetic circuitry in organ development, physiology and disease. The emphasis is on intellectual and medical problems related to the role of cytokines with a focus on the JAK/STAT pathway. Using traditional and cell-specific gene knock-out mice, researchers in LGP have discovered that the transcription factors STAT5a/b are essential for the development and function of several distinct cell systems.
Current research is aimed towards an understanding of the genetic logic underlying the cell specific functions of STAT5 during normal hematopoiesis and leukemias, liver function and in mammary development and cancer. In addition, researchers in LGP use mouse genetics to decipher the role of Notch signaling in the specification of cell lineages within the mammary gland.