Department of Biology
John E. Tomkiel, Associate Professor
- Research:
- I am interested in how chromosomes are partitioned into daughter cells upon cell division. My research is currently focused on chromosome segregation in meiosis, using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Errors in meiotic chromosome transmission are the single most common source of genetic syndromes in humans, affecting more than 1/500 live births. Studies in models organisms such as yeasts, flies and nematodes have provided us with a variety of clues about the causes of such errors. In my lab, we use molecular, cell and genetic approaches to characterize a collection of mutations that increase the frequency of the meiotic chromosome errors in the male fly. These studies may lead to the identification of genes and/or genetic pathways that are evolutionarily conserved, and may shed light on similar mechanisms that operate in humans.
- Recent Publications:
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Arya, G.H., M.J. Lodico, O.I. Ahmad, R. Amin, and J.E.Tomkiel, 2006. Molecular Characterization of teflon, a Gene Required for Meiotic Autosome Segregation in Male Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics, 174: 125-134.
Malmanche, N., Owen, S., Gegick, S., Tomkiel, J.E. and C.E. Sunkel, 2007. Drosophila BubR1 is Essential for Meiotic Sister-Chromatid Cohesion and Maintenance of Synaptonemal Complex. Curr. Biol, 17:1489-1497.
- Classes:
- Principles of Biology I (BIO 111)
- Genetics (BIO 392)
- Genetics Lab (BIO 393)
- Advanced Topics in Genetics (BIO 506)
- Contact:
- 333 Eberhart Building
- (336) 334-4980