Research Interests:
Research in my laboratory focuses on the comparative genomics, molecular evolution, and systems biology of gene families. Approaches range from the use of cutting edge bioinformatic and genomic tools, to statistical modeling and analysis based on evolution and population genetics theory. We are particularly interested in:
(1) the evolutionary mechanisms and systems biology of infectious diseases. We are using genomic and related data, coupled with other biochemical and microbiological information, to identify new therapeutic targets and to further study the underlying evolutionary mechanisms in diseases such as malaria;
(2) the molecular evolution of vertebrate gene families, with a particular emphasis on the age distribution and functional divergence of duplicated genes, which are believed to provide the raw material for functional novelty in higher eukaryotes. We are also interested in the association between sequence evolution and gene network regulation.
Research Support:
Systems Biology of Plasmodium falciparum: Building and Exploring Network Models
2007-2012
NIH
RCMI Center for Interdiscplinary Health Research CIHR
2010-2015
NIH
Role: Co-PI (PI: Dr. Carola Wenk)
Cajal Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC)
2004 – 2010
NIH/NCRR
Role: Co-PI (PI. Dr. James Bower)
Accelerating Metabolic Discovery using Characterization Data
2006-2009
NIH
UTHSCA/UTSA Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Program
2005-2007
Texas State Liability Insurance Reserves Funds (through San Antonio Life Sciences Institute (SALSI)- Research Enhancement Fund)
Role: Co-PI (PIs: Dr. James Bower and Dr. Brad Pollock)
In silico Discovery of Anti-malarial Targets
2004-2005
San Antonio Area Foundation
Opening New Views on Plague Bacterium
1/1/2005-12/31/2005
UTSA Faculty Research Award
The Use of Existing Microbiological Collections to Examine Historical Susceptibility of Pathogens to Antimicrobial Agents
2002-2005
Food and Drug Administration
Co-I