The Munger Lab
Steven Munger, Ph.D., uses a systems genetics approach and advanced computational methods to study development and complex disease in advanced mouse populations.
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The genetic origins of most developmental disorders and diseases are complex and remain poorly understood. Rather than a single deleterious mutation, genetic susceptibility to common diseases is conferred by many variants that individually assert subtle effects but in certain combinations perturb cellular networks sufficiently to bias them to a disordered/diseased state. Classic single-gene experimental approaches fail to elucidate these interactions, but new integrative genomic and genetic approaches from the emerging field of “Systems Genetics” hold considerable promise.
The Munger lab combines experimental and computational methods with advanced mouse mapping populations to solve these complex genetic puzzles.
We examine the natural genetic variation driving individual differences in 1) susceptibility to sex reversal during primary sex determination of the gonad, 2) disease severity in a mouse model of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and 3) transcript and protein expression in the adult liver. We apply our genetic and genomics toolkit to predict causal variants and genetic interactions underlying phenotypic variability, validate these predictions at the bench with functional genomics methods, and ultimately seek to extend these results to inform patient diagnosis and treatment.
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Search MagazineDecember 08, 2021The translator: Rob Burgess is working to bring basic research to the clinic
From mouse model to gene therapy, Rob Burgess is working to translate basic research to the clinic. -
Research HighlightNovember 25, 2021New insights into the biology of ecDNAs
Extrachromosomal DNA elements (ecDNAs) are frequently detected in cancer and drive activation of oncogenes (cancer-promoting genes) via increased gene expression. -
Research HighlightNovember 19, 2021Exploring the functional genetic diversity of wild mice
Researchers are working to broaden the genetic diversity of mice used in biomedical research. -
Research HighlightNovember 10, 2021Using rabies to track the neural circuitry underlying behavior
Understanding how we use our brain to make decisions is a daunting task, given our brain's extensive webs of neural wiring and circuitry. Now, JAX researchers are using a surprising tool to investigate goal-directed behaviors: the rabies virus.
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Featured ArticleDecember 07, 2021Roel Verhaak is closing the circle to improve brain cancer care
To improve glioma treatments, the tumors have to be attacked from every angle, and Roel Verhaak is working on multiple fronts to bring better care and outcomes to patients who now have nowhere to turn. -
Blog PostNovember 23, 2021Navigating precision medicine in cancer
With genomic tumor testing, a negative result is not always definitive. In some cases a genomic variant can be present but not detected by the specific testing platform. Tests vary significantly and have different limitations, which impacts how results can and should be used for making treatment decisions. -
Featured ArticleNovember 11, 2021JAX Supports Genome in Me Permanent Exhibition at Connecticut Science Center
The Connecticut Science Center recently launched a new permanent exhibition, Genome in Me, that focuses on how DNA reveals hidden worlds of information that can be used to better understand our species, our ancestry, evolution, health care, forensics, and more. -
Profile StoryNovember 09, 2021Using next-gen technology to explore how aging raises the risk for leukemia
JAX's Sheng Li is exploring how aging raises the risk for leukemia, and works to improve cutting edge tools for data analysis.