The LGD is dedicated to applying molecular and computational genomic technologies toward discovery of human genes that mold complex multifactorial diseases including cancers, AIDS, hepatitis and degenerative pathologies. The animal model component includes comparative genomics, the feline genome project, plus the genetic variability in free-ranging wildlife species.
The LGD conducts human genetics research to discover genetic factors involved in infectious disease, cancer, and other complex diseases. The approaches include both the analysis of individual candidate genes/gene families as well as genome-wide approaches.
The patterns of genomic variation across mammals are critically valuable in interpreting both the genomic history of mammals and the functional interpretation of human genome organization. LGD scientist have been leaders in comparative genomic inference for mammal species in interpreting chromosome organization in an evolutionary context.
AIDS Restriction Genes
Since the discovery by LGD scientists in 1996 that CCR- D32 protects people from HIV-1 infection, we have uncovered over 20 AIDS Restriction Genes (ARGs), human genes with polymorphic variants that influence the outcome of HIV-1 exposure and/or infection though AIDS cohort studies. The work continues with genome wide association studies, functional characterization of ARGs, and translational development.
Retrovirology
A strong emphasis of LGD scientists is the application of genomic and molecular biology tools to resolve the occurrence and natural history of emerging infectious diseases, particularly retroviral disease in natural populations. We have studied feline and human virus including feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, feline coronavirus, distemper morbillivirus, and other agents in free ranging population outbreaks.
Feline Genome Project
A goal of this program is to characterize to develop genomic resources in the domestic cat ,facilitating and establishing Felis catus as a useful animal model contributing to our understanding of human hereditary disease analogues, neoplasia, genetic factors associated with host response to infectious disease, and mammalian genome evolution.
Mammal Molecular Evolution
To better resolve disease phenomena in mammal species, we require a clearer resolution of the evolutionary history of the mammalian radiations. LGD scientists have applied tools of molecular evolution to interrogate phylogeny and phylo-geography of placental mammal orders, of Felidae, Canidae, Carnivora, Chiroptera ( bats), Primates and other fascinating mammalian taxa.
Conservation Genetics
In the early 1980s, the young field of conservation genetics was established by LGD investigators through detailed studies of remarkable genetic uniformity of the African cheetah. Since then applications of genetic and genomic advances for conservation applications have blossomed and LGD has contributed to genetic studies of several high profile endangered species. LGD staff host the American Genetic Association/ Smithsonian sponsored short course on Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics
