Genetics and biotechnology
 |
Prof Charlie SpillaneProf of Plant Sciences, NUI Galway, 2010 |
- email: charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie
- phone: +353 91 49 ?
- post: Botany & Plant Science, NUI Galway, University Rd, Galway, Ireland
Research Interests
- Epigenetics of parent-of-origin and dosage effects
- Gene regulation via non-coding microRNAs
- Evolution and function of novel and conserved genes
- Reproduction, development and molecular evolution
- Genetics and biotechnology (plant, agricultural & biomedical)
- Science & technology policy and communication
Research Overview
Our Genetics and Biotechnology Lab is using a range of functional genomics (wet lab molecular genetics combined with bioinformatics) approaches to investigate both fundamental and applied aspects of genetics and epigenetics. Our lab uses model genetic systems such as the plant Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian cell systems to investigate biological questions.
We are interested in advancing understanding of the evolution and regulation of genes which display epigenetic (non-Mendelian) modes of inheritance. These include autosomal genes subject to genomic imprinting which are differentially expressed depending on their parent-of-origin. We are also investigating the genetics and epigenetics of gene and genome dosage effects which can be observed in polyploid genomes of plants. Using the ICHEC supercomputer based at NUI Galway, we combine whole-genome bioinformatics approaches with functional genomics to understand the origins, molecular evolution and functions of novel, duplicated and conserved genes, with a specific focus on genes which are of importance to plant reproduction and seed development. Our lab also conducts research on functional genomics and epigenetics of gene regulation via non-coding microRNAs, with a specific focus on understanding miRNA-signalling pathways and regulatory networks in mammalian cells.
Our research objectives and projects span from fundamental research to biotechnological applications using a wide range of biological organisms. While most of our genetics and epigenetics research is based on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, our non-coding RNA research activities are based on mammalian cell systems. In some instances we also tailor research questions to specific organisms. Hence we are also conducting molecular genetics research using other organisms including the model nematode C. elegans, cattle, Phaseolus beans, East African highland bananas, maize and microalgal cells.
We also conduct research on science policy and communication relating to genetics and biotechnology issues, particularly in relation to importance of plant genetics and agricultural biotechnologies for developing countries.
Key Publications
- , Phytochrome B and histone deacetylase 6 control light-induced chromatin compaction in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS Genet 5: e1000638 (2009)
- , miR-21 as a key regulator of oncogenic processes. Biochem Soc Trans 37: 918-925 (2009)
- , Genome-wide survey of allele-specific splicing in humans. BMC Genomics 9: 265 (2008)
- , Translational epigenetics: clinical approaches to epigenome therapeutics for cancer. Epigenetics 3: 107-112 (2008)
- , Positive darwinian selection at the imprinted MEDEA locus in plants. Nature 448: 349-352 (2007)
- , Genomic imprinting, methylation and molecular evolution of maize Enhancer of zeste (Mez) homologs. Plant J 49: 325-337 (2007)
- , Apomixis technology development-virgin births in farmers' fields?. Nat Biotechnol 22: 687-691 (2004)
- , Transposons and tandem repeats are not involved in the control of genomic imprinting at the MEDEA locus in Arabidopsis. Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol 69: 465-475 (2004)