In the study of disease genes, it is crucial to understand a gene’s biological mechanisms and ultimately its potential role in causing disease. Understanding the molecular consequences of such genetic variation is essential for subsequent disease modeling and the development of therapeutic approaches. Faculty members working in the Center consist of scientists with expertise in molecular genetics, genomics, functional genomics, and epigenetics as they relate to human disease. The CMG additionally encompasses a state-of-the-art induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) core that offers services, instrumentation, infrastructure, and expertise to support and enable researchers to utilize iPSC technologies to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human disease.
The CMG is led by Director Derek Dykxhoorn, Ph.D.
Dr. Dykxhoorn has over 25 years of experience in Molecular Genetics, Cell Biological, and Biochemical research, including extensive experience using gene perturbation and genome engineering approaches as a tool for gene function analysis and functional genomics, using induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) to model various diseases, and the study of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in normal biology and disease development.
The Center is comprised of two divisions:
Division for Functional Genomics, Division Director
Derek Dykxhoorn, Ph.D.
Division Director
Email: DDykxhoorn@med.miami.edu
The Division for Functional Genomics focuses on genomic sciences as they relate to human disease. Utilizing the vast amount of data produced by the various-omics projects, such as genome sequencing, single cell and single nuclei RNAseq, and chromatin structure analysis (for example, chromatin conformation analysis), this division aims to describe gene functions and interactions. These studies include the functional analysis of the impact of coding and non-coding genomic variants using state-of-the-art approaches, including genome editing and gene perturbation studies, gene expression analysis, epigenetic and chromatin structure analysis, RNA metabolism, and protein functional studies.
Division of Human Disease Modeling, Division Director
Juan Young, Ph.D.
Division Director
Email: jyoung3@med.miami.edu
The HIHG Mouse Behavioral Core (MBC) provides planning, execution, and analysis of behavioral experiments examining activity, arousal, coordinated movement, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, seizure susceptibility, reward/reinforcement, aggression and motor abilities in mice. Additional tests can potentially be developed on a case-by-case basis. The Mouse Behavioral Core also offers several rodent surgical services and assistance in IACUC protocol preparation.
The MBC is located in the BRB building, within the barrier rodent vivarium facility. The HIHG has already assigned 4 suites for housing mice in an exclusive way. We can house more than 3,500 mice if necessary. Facilities for rodents include full barrier, air shower upon entrance and exit, individually ventilated racks, full cage washing and autoclaving facilities, set up for automatic watering, ample procedure space, necropsy facilities, and isolation areas.