Department of Biology

Research Strengths

Chromatin, Chromosomes, and Genome Integrity

We have a strong community of labs in the Department of Biology that focus on various aspect of chromosome biology, including gene function, chromosome replication, chromosome transmission, chromosome structure, and the maintenance of genome integrity. Errors in these processes are associated with developmental abnormalities from plants to humans and can promote cancer. We use a variety of model systems to study these questions including yeast, plants, fruit flies, frogs, mice, and human cells. Interests include defining the mechanisms by which chromosomes are duplicated during S phase of the cell cycle (Calvi, Michaels, Ellison), and how these chromosomes are faithfully segregated to daughter cells during M phase (Zolan, Lacefield, Kaufman, Walczak, Pomerening, Ellison, Mazumdar). Two of our groups study how chromosome segregation is modified and regulated during meiosis (Zolan, Lacefield), an important question relevant to birth defects. We also have a major focus on how “epigenetic” modifications of chromatin regulates the cell cycle (Calvi, Michaels), gene silencing (Pikaard, Michaels, Calvi), and cancer (Mazumdar, Calvi, Nephew). There is significant interaction and exchange of ideas among the labs studying chromosome biology. We also have excellent core facilities to support our research, including state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy, genomics, genetics, and biochemistry. The collaborative community and wonderful facilities make IU Biology a great place to study chromatin, chromosomes, and genome integrity.