Regulation & function of proteins at prophase of meiosis

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Our research contributions over the last decade have established us among the authorities in the field of germ cell development, specifically in functional and structural aspects of chromosomes at prophase of meiosis. Unlike somatic (body) cells that can go through repeated cell division and growth cycles in the body or in tissue culture, germ cells have a single development pathway - they do not cycle and there is no efficient method available for their culture. Fortunately, it has been discovered that germ cells will develop rapidly - hours instead of days - when cultured in the presence of the phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. With this technique, our laboratory and the laboratory of M.A. Handel have embarked on the analysis of factors that affect germ cell development. We investigate genetic mutations that affect meiosis as well as the effect of toxic substances and the experimental repression of proteins required for meiosis. The meiotic systems that we study are associated with fertilty defects and deregulation of cell proliferation (cancer). In addition, we are enlisted as consultants/research collaborators by two or three laboratories each year.