Candice Baker, Ph.D.

About Candice N. Baker, Ph.D

As a research scientist at the Jackson Laboratory, I am working on the internationally recognized Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP). In particular, I am characterizing novel embryonic lethal strains to identify the timing and cause of lethality. From this set of novel strains, I plan to investigate a previously unknown gene to elucidate novel developmental mechanisms, with a focus on cardiovascular development. Complementing this effort and my interests, I am employing CRISPR technology to model human disease variants in the mouse, taking advantage of our embryonic phenotyping pipeline that includes high-resolution 3D imaging platforms.

I am also involved in a project investigating a unique model identified through an ENU mutagenesis screen that exhibits high triglycerides and that presents coincident resistance to diet-induced obesity. We are interested in uncovering the molecular mechanism and underlying genetic drivers responsible for this phenomenon. Currently, a candidate gene we are pursuing is known to be localized to the mitochondria, thus we are interrogating the role of mitochondria in metabolic function using this unique mouse model. We are performing full ex vivo mitochondrial functional analysis testing as well as an in vivo liver, kidney and cardiovascular workup. Another ENU mutant I am currently characterizing has heritable dilated cardiomyopathy and holds promise for contributing a new much-needed mouse model for this disorder.

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Grants, honors and accomplishments

Weinstein Cardiovascular Conference Travel Award (2014)

Graduate Research Excellence Award (2013)

Graduate Travel Fellowship Recipient (2013)

First Place Graduate Research Forum (2012)

Graduate Provost Fellowship Recipient (2010-2011)

Graduate Travel Fellowship Recipient (2012)

Research HighlightMarch 12, 2019
A closer look at structural variants in the genome
A recent Cell paper uses long-read DNA sequencing and other advanced genomics tools and methods to shed light on genomic structural variants.
Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Breaking up is hard to do
New research shows that proteins work together to enable DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis.
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
Research HighlightFebruary 28, 2019
Two proteins essential for layered sterocilia elongation in the inner-ear
A research team led by Basile Tarchini has found two new proteins that are essential to the correct elongation of stereocilia, tiny hair-like cellular protrusions in the inner ear.
Search MagazineFebruary 11, 2019
The engines of genetic diversity
JAX Assistant Professor Beth Dumont, Ph.D., is working to better understand the processes that give rise to genetic diversity, and how specific variations can contribute to disease susceptibility.

Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Long-range connectivity and gene regulation networks
A complicated three-dimensional network involving proteins and specific DNA sequences helps regulate the expression of genes. New work led by JAX’s Chia-Lin Wei shows how one protein, SOX2, plays a significant role in neural stem cells, affecting many aspects of development and function.
Press ReleaseMarch 05, 2019
3D genomics one nucleus at a time
Supported by a recent four-year, $2.3M grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Wei is looking to develop a method for chromatin interaction analysis in single nuclei, with single-molecule resolution.
- Genetic Tools
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseFebruary 18, 2019
A crystal ball for looking at the complexity of the 3D genome
A team led by Jackson Laboratory Professor Yijun Ruan, Ph.D., has developed a new method, called ChIA-Drop, that allows researchers to investigate 3D genomic structures with unprecedented precision and clarity.
Research HighlightFebruary 06, 2019
JAX collaboration yields important implications for data science
A paper published in Molecular Biology of the Cell leads to important implications for both reproductive biology and data science.