| LABORATORY OVERVIEW:
The research focus of LGD is dynamic, but can be classified into four
general areas: 1) identification and characterization of human genetic loci
which influence susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, AIDS progression, AIDS
defining pathogenesis, immune response, and efficacy/consequences of highly
active antiretroviral therapy; 2) implication of human gene variants
that affect multigenic and multifactorial diseases including cancer (prostate,
breast, ocular, liver), hereditary, and infectious diseases (HBV, HCV, HPV,
EBV and HTLV-I, II); 3) comparative gene annotation among mammal species with
emphasis on the domestic cat; this includes both full genome and specific
gene analyses (MHC, endogenous retrovirus, Y-chromosome genes, and others);
and, 4) population genetics, phylogenetics, virology, and epidemiology of
free-ranging natural populations for taxonomic, adaptive, infectious and
hereditary disease inference.
The LGD research program is organized and managed as the Office of the Chief
and eight interactive groups. Dr.
Stephen J. O'Brien, Principal Investigator, serves as the Laboratory
Chief and is involved principally in coordination, oversight of program
activities, resource management, and the development of new biological resources.
The primary activities and specialties
of the eight investigators are:
Dr.
Cheryl Winkler: Molecular genetic epidemiology of complex diseases
including AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, diabetes, renal diseases,
cancer, and hemophilia.
Dr.
Michael Smith: Human population genetics as an approach to association
mapping on complex disease cohorts, particularly using linkage disequilibria
association and mapping by admixture linkage disequilibria (MALD) in
AIDS, end-stage renal disease, and prostate cancer.
Dr.
Marilyn Raymond: Comparative genomics, Feline Genome Project lead,
disease gene mapping in cats, and animal tissue forensics.
Dr.
Naoya Yuhki: Comparative structure and organization of the feline
major histocompatibility complex; physical genome mapping and annotation.
Dr.
Jill Pecon-Slattery: Comparative genomics of X and Y linked genes;
molecular phylogenetics and genetic epidemiology of HTLV-1, STLV, and
FIV in their natural hosts.
Dr.
Warren Johnson: Population genetics, systematic, and molecular ecology
of free varying carnivore species, particularly non-domestic Felidae;
comparative genomics of Artiodactyla.
In addition, there are four laboratory cores: 1) DNA Sequencing 2) Genotyping and Cell Biology 3)
Bioinformatics 4) Bioresources and Cohort Development.
Beyond traditional research activities, LGD has also contributed
to several education, outreach and public communication initiatives. In addition, LGD convenes annually for retreats, sponsors short courses, and chairs international conferences.
The strength of LGD is in the cooperative interplay of diverse skills and interests of its scientists, who are encouraged to pursue different lines of investigation ranging from fundamental genetic mechanisms to approaches that we hope will be directly applicable to understanding and treating human cancer.
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