Combining data analysis and experimental methods for understanding tissue function from single cells

Understanding epithelial, stem and immune cell interactions in the gut

Our studies proceed along three major lines: (1) Microbial population dynamics under stress, (2) Understanding drought resistance and engineering drought-resistant nutritious plants (3) The plant microbiome and its dynamics

Proprioception and the the musculoskeletal system in development and disease

The interplay between viruses and their hosts

We study bacterial ecological interactions, diversity, stability and stress in communities from pre-Cambrian oceans

We study how antibodies are generated in response to invading pathogens in mouse models, infected subjects and cancer patients. We use this information to produce novel antibodies for immunotherapy.

We study the functional roles of epigenetics during cell-fate decisions

We study how osteoclasts, the only cells in our body that can degrade bone, are formed and how they function, both in health and in disease

Human evolution and disease

Developing experimental and computational approaches for multiplexed imaging of clinical specimens to uncover tumor-immune interactions

We develop algorithms and utilize single cell genomics for studying the organization and function of immune cells in a tissue

From Single cells to Microbial Collectives

We study morphogenesis, cell biology and function of hypothalamic neurons, which regulate appetite, stress and social behavior

Biological circuits: design, function and evolution • Regulatory genome: transcription, replication and the chromatin as a communication platform • Developmental patterning: morphogen gradients, scaling, robustness

An integrative approach for the exploration of melanoma genetic and immunological interactions

Proteomic analysis of cancer heterogeneity to elucidate disease progression mechanisms and resistance to therapy

We study the molecular foundations and applied potential of mammalian pluripotent stem cells in early organ development, germ cell formation and whole synthetic embryo generation ex utero

Why the human hematopoietic system is aging and how it relates to the evolution of leukemia. Can we diagnose leukemia early and apply preventive therapy. Why mutations accumulate in HSCs and how do they change their function

The role of cellular mechanisms, signaling and metabolic crosstalk in mediating microbial interaction (host-virus, host-bacteria, predator-prey) in the marine environment

Chromosome Catastrophes in Cancer

Why do some people succumb to infection - while others don't?

Organ growth, regeneration and aging: A focus on the vascular system.

Illuminating antigen presenters and their cross-talk with T cells to execute inflammatory and peaceful immune responses.

intra-tumor heterogeneity in glioma and in head and neck cancer

Drug resistance in cancer, effects that intra-tumor bacteria on cancer biology and drug resistance, ex vivo organ culture for the prediction of drug response

Systematic analysis of combinatorial signals during cellular fate determination processes

Our lab is a major driver in developing and applying cutting edge single-cell genomics technologies and advanced computational approaches. We apply these novel tools in animal models and human patients to uncover immune regulatory mechanisms and pathways

Functional genomics and systematic screens to uncover new protein functions

We study interactions between peripheral circadian clocks and exercise physiology, hypoxia signaling and metabolic pathways

Functional genomics and transcriptomics in mouse models and humans

The synaptic basis for sexual dimorphism in the nervous system