Research Description

he zebrafish genetics laboratory of Stephen C. Ekker, Ph.D., is focused on one major next step in the post-genomics era: the assignment of genes and gene sets critical in vertebrate patterning and organogenesis.

Dr. Ekker's lab has developed two approaches for the identification of new genes and genetic networks: vertebrate transposons and morpholino antisense oligonucleotides for molecular genetic manipulation of the model vertebrate, the zebrafish. These two reagents, morpholinos and mutagenic transposons, are powerful tools for use in true functional genomics applications in the zebrafish.

Focus areas
Morpholino screening. Dr. Ekker's research team is undertaking a morpholino-based screen of the major subset of the genome encoded by co-translationally translocated proteins.
Vertebrate transposons. Researchers in Dr. Ekker's lab have also developed gene-breaking transposons as insertional mutagens, a tool that opens the door to an array of important questions such as the genetic basis of nicotine sensitization, a critical process that underlies nicotine addiction.

Contact

Address:
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
USA

Email: ekker.stephen@mayo.edu

Web Page: http://mayoresearch.mayo.edu/mayo/research/staff/Ekker_SC.cfm

Phone:  612-626-4509