UConn researchers helped complete nationwide effort to understand ape genome. Tor the first time, researchers have assembled a complete “end-to-end” reference genome for the sex chromosomes of five great ape species and one lesser ape species. The findings shed light on the evolution of sex chromosomes and inform understanding of diseases related to genes on these chromosomes in both apes and humans. Read full story in UConn Today

New head of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology explains the complexities of the evolving field — and why well-trained scientists are in high demand. Read full article in UConn Today

Jelena Erceg is studying the role of parental genome folding during development which could support the development of personalized genome medicine for chromosome-based diseases.

See full story in UConn Today

Assistant Professor Jelena Erceg (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS & Institute for Systems Genomics, joint appointment also with the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health) has received a prestigious R35 Maximizing Investigator’s Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). This award will support research in the Erceg Lab on genome folding and regulation over the next 5 years.

The title of the funded project is “Genome Folding and Regulation in Diploid Multicellular Organisms”

About the research and why it is important

MIRA provides support for the research in an investigator’s laboratory that falls within the mission of NIGMS. The goal of MIRA is to increase the efficiency of NIGMS funding by providing investigators with greater stability and flexibility, thereby enhancing scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs. The program will also help distribute funding more widely among the nation’s highly talented and promising investigators.

Fleck K, Raj R and Erceg J (2022), The 3D genome landscape: Diverse chromosomal interactions and their functional implications. Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 10:968145. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2022.968145

Venkata S.P. Patchigolla, Barbara G. Mellone, Enrichment of Non-B-Form DNA at D. melanogaster Centromeres, Genome Biology and Evolution, Volume 14, Issue 5, May 2022, evac054, https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evac054

Rachel O’Neill is among five UConn researchers awarded internal funding to support researchers who are using their expertise to find new solutions to address the Covid-10 pandemic The program will award up to $50,000 to recipients.

Dr. Rachel O’Neill was awarded $50,000, Rapid and Ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Wastewater by Smartphone
Co-PIs: Maroun Sfeir, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

See full article in UConn Today

Rachel J. O’Neill, Institute for Systems Genomics, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to be inducted into the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) for 2020. 

According to CASE, election to the Academy is based on the applicant’s scientific and engineering distinction, achieved through significant contributions in the form of publications, patents, outstanding leadership, and other factors. Read full article in UConn Today