Research Focus - Linking functional genomics, cell biology and
development. Focusing on various
aspects of the developing nervous system in the nematode model organism, C.
elegans.
Research in developmental biology is one of the major focuses of modern life sciences. Our understanding of cellular processes in a developing organism has increased at an astounding rate. This new information is the direct result of modern techniques in molecular biology. For example, the entire genome, approximately 100 million base pairs, of the nematode C. elegans has been completed and this information gives us a database to be used for the study of animal development and physiology. At the same time, developmental neurobiology has emerged as an area where major breakthroughs can be expected to come over the next several decades. The nematode, as a model organism, with its completely sequenced genome, strong genetics, completely mapped developmental lineage of all cell types and complete neuroanatomical and physical map (of all 302 neurons) offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore many basic questions in neurobiology. These include neural path-finding, circuitry development, gating of ion channels, synapse formation, olfaction, establishment of neural-muscular junctions, neural net formation, synaptic vesicle formation/trafficking, behavior and many other topics.
Impact
This chair is an important addition to the existing community of C. elegans researchers and to the strong community of neuroscientists on campus that is currently under-represented at the level of model organisms. S. Jones and M. Marra of the Genome Center and T. Snutch and D. Moerman of the BTL/Zoology all have considerable experience using C. elegans as a genetic model system, but not in the area of neurobiology per se. Thus the candidate will be an important link to promote synergy between the C. elegans researchers and the neuroscience community. Other members of the Vancouver C. elegans community, including D. Baillie (SFU), P. Candido (Biochemistry), K. Rankin (Psychology) and A. Rose (Medical Genetics) will benefit from a strong colleague using the nematode and interested in developmental and neurobiological questions. In addition, this chair will be able to take advantage of the BTL's Reverse Genetics Core Facility (Worm knockout facility). This facility was initiated to take advantage of the unique science opportunities surrounding the completion of the C. elegans genome and will provide mutant (knockout) worms to both the local and international research community. Finally, this chair will be able to interact with the neuroscientists in both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medicine. These include, V. Auld (Zoology), W. Tetzlaff (Cord/Zoology), J. Steeves (Cord/Zoology), J. Roskams (CMMT), S. Vincent (Neurosci), L. Raymond (Neurosci), T. Murphy (Neurosci), T. O'Connor (Anatomy) and many others.
Plan
This chair would be a cross appointment between the BTL and Zoology. This appointment could be at the junior or senior level. Two possible candidates at the more senior level are Jim Thomas (Genetics/UW) and Eric Jorgenson (Biology/Utah). The former works on signal transduction in neurons, potassium ion channels and neural-muscular reflex arcs. The latter works on neural glutamate receptor and neuronal path finding. Dr. Jorgenson was responsible for the development of in situ patch clamping to individual neurons and muscles in the nematode.
This position was initially approved as a CRC junior chair. The position was then used to make a retention chair for Dr. Snutch. Snutch’s present slot will be used to fund this as a normal position.