Overview
Scientists in the Center for Evolutionary Functional Genomics leveraged innovations in information technology to develop tools for exploring long-standing biological questions. The recent ability to obtain the complete DNA sequence information of any organism, or genome, has allowed us to map and explore the genetic blueprints necessary for life as well as their evolution. To facilitate this exploration, we have developed easy-to-use computer software for the analysis of genomic databases. We are developing new methods for exploring the gene interactions that guide the maturation of a single fertilized egg cell into a complex adult animal with trillions of cells. We are using developmental gene expression image data from Drosophila, we are developing the first-of-its-kind computational tool and web resource for the digital analysis of developmental gene expression patterns.
We are also using the comparative sequence analysis to understand the mechanisms and functional impact of evolutionary change within and across species, particularly how the genes and genomes of humans and other organisms change over time. Through analysis and characterization of interspecific genomic variation, The Center's researchers are gaining insights into the emergence and prevalence of human disease factors. Using large-scale comparative sequence analysis techniques, we are building a timescale of life in an effort to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species.
The Center has identified several core research areas in which it strives for excellence: comparative genomics, computational developmental biology, and software and database development. See our project section for more details.
