Proteins rather than mRNAs regulate nucleation and persistence of Oskar germ granules in Drosophila

Quantitative microscopy has revealed that germ granule formation in Drosophila is primarily driven by proteins rather than mRNAs. This distinguishes germ granules from other RNA granules, such as stress granules and P-bodies, which rely on RNA-dependent condensation. Additionally, germ granules are associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear pores, suggesting that these structures may […]


Retinoic acid signaling regulates spatiotemporal specification of human green and red cones

Trichromacy is unique to primates among placental mammals, enabled by blue, green, and red cones. Our study of human retinas and organoids revealed that timing of retinoic acid signaling regulates the decision between green and red cone fates. 


Increased levels of lagging strand polymerase α in an adult stem cell lineage affect replication-coupled histone incorporation

DNA replication is the most fundamental biological process and is indispensable for cell function. Recently, my lab has made a novel discovery: Reducing the activity of a single DNA replication component, DNA polymerase a, could enhance cellular plasticity and improve tissue function across diverse systems and species.


Germline sex determination regulates sex-specific signaling between germline stem cells and their niche

This paper demonstrates that the sex of germline stem cells (male or female) influence how they respond to signals in their surrounding niche environment.