We study the biophysics of genome inheritance during cell division: how a dividing cell ensures that each daughter cell inherits exactly one copy of each chromosome. Our focus is on the kinetochore: a multi-protein machine that moves and segregates chromosomes during cell division. While work in the field pursued the structures, biochemical properties, and cell biological interactions of individual kinetochore proteins, our goal has been to understand how the protein components of the kinetochore are assembled as a machine, and how they function together in the context of this organization. We use an interdisciplinary approach that combines in vitro experimentation (using DNA origami to reconstitute the kinetochore) and in vivo studies (developing and using cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy methods) to determine the function and regulation of the kinetochore.

Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reached epidemic proportions throughout the world but are poorly understood and have limited treatment options. Our laboratory uses human population based approaches (genome wide association studies, sequencing, genetic epidemiology) and is developing cell culture/mouse models of disease to elucidate the mechanisms that predispose individuals to developing these and related metabolic diseases. Through this work, we aim to better diagnose, manage, and treat obesity and NAFLD in the future.