About Genetics, BSc - at University of Nottingham
Research in the Institute of Genetics is split into five main areas.
Population and Evolutionary Genetics
The School has an internationally recognised collection of population and evolutionary geneticists, employing molecular techniques and bioinformatics to address fundamental evolutionary problems.
Research carried out in this section includes: studies on molecular evolution by computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences; evolution of AIDS viruses; the genetic changes that are associated with speciation; evolution of transposable elements and genome structure.
Human Genetics
Within the Human Genetics group there is an emphasis on the role of repetitive DNA sequences in health and disease, and in chromosome stability. Research includes: the molecular basis of myotonic dystrophy and the identification of genes involved in cardiac development; artificial chromosomes and chromosome segregation; human genetic diversity, copy number analysis; molecular genetics of muscle disease; mouse models of muscle disorders; molecular genetic approaches to anthropology and human population genetics; human genetic variation and resistance to infectious disease.
Fungal Biology and Genetics
Research within the Group is focused on fungi, including yeasts and filamentous fungi. We are interested in the physiology, biochemistry and molecular genetics of fungi in relation to the interaction of fungi with other species (lichen biology) and their environment, and with the use of fungi as cell factories for the production of proteins (for applications and for basic studies of the relationship between structure and function) and pharmaceuticals. We are interested in stress response mechanisms in yeasts and filamentous fungi and in the epigenetic control of transcription.
Developmental Genetics and Gene Control
Our group focuses on the eukaryotic gene expression and the genetics of vertebrate embryonic development. Developmental studies are focussed largely upon the mechanisms that control stem cell fate. These include studies of the nervous system, germ cells and bone marrow derived stem cells. Our work on the control of gene expression address the machinery used by cells to achieve appropriate levels of functional transcripts. These studies include control of transcription and the mechanisms of RNA maturation.
Molecular Microbiology and Genome Dynamics
Our groups focus on systems responsible for maintaining genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea, yeast and vertebrates and on the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial motility. Specific projects focus on chromosome biology, the mechanics of homologous recombination and DNA repair, flagellar motors and motile predatory bacteria.
