Department of MCB

Germ cells are specialized cells that undergo mitotic proliferation followed by meiosis and cellular differentiation to generate haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.  We are investigating several aspects of germ line biology using the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model.  The C. elegans germ line is particularly amenable to these studies due to its unique structural organization, the molecular genetics of the system, and the high degree of conservation with genes and pathways in humans.  We are currently investigating how checkpoint pathways are differentially regulated in the hermaphrodite (functionally female) and male germ line.  We are also elucidating how unpaired heterogametic sex chromosomes are hidden from the checkpoint machinery.  An understanding of these processes in the genetically tractable worm system may provide insight into why human female meiosis has less efficient checkpoint control, contributing to the high rate of error and human disease (e.g., Down, Turner and Klinefelter’s Syndrome).

RAD-51

HIM-8

DAPI

College of Biological Sciences (CBS), UC Davis