The focus of our research is to investigate the genetic pathways that contribute to brain tumor onset and progression using the zebrafish model system. Identifying genetic drivers that advance cancer progression will aid in developing new therapies to treat malignant disease. Gene editing and somatic mutagenesis with CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and Sleeping Beauty transposons are being used to identify genes that cooperate with the RB and TP53 tumor suppressors in brain tumor pathogenesis.

Area of Expertise: cancer genetics, zebrafish genomics