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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Press ReleaseMay 11, 2021Heligenics, JAX collaborating on ERBB2 breast cancer gene
Includes licensing of custom Heligenics Gene Mutation/Function ERBB2 library for the JAX Clinical Knowledgebase. -
Blog PostApril 26, 2021Using the power of sequencing on our smallest organisms
The microbiome plays a vital role in our health and wellbeing. Now researchers are using sequencing technology to better understand it. -
Press ReleaseApril 13, 2021Shriners Hospitals for Children and JAX announce research affiliation
A new research affiliation agreement between Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC) and JAX will endeavor to gain a greater understanding of the genetic factors involved in cerebral palsy. -
Research HighlightApril 12, 2021New research asks how bone marrow affects us as we age
New research done by JAX scientists investigates how bone marrow affects our health as we age.
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Featured ArticleMay 06, 2021Microscopic powerhouses: what are organoids?
One of the most significant scientific advances of the last ten years, organoids have revolutionized research across several fields, and continue to grow more advanced and helpful year over year. So, what are these microscopic powerhouses, exactly? -
Research HighlightApril 15, 2021New insights into ecDNA function advances cancer research
JAX researchers report in Cancer Cell further insight into yet another way extrachromosomal, circular DNA (ecDNA) may promote cancer. -
Search MagazineApril 13, 2021
Cancer dangers hidden in plain sight
In the hunt for genetic cancer risk factors, researchers painstakingly analyze huge amounts of genome sequence data. -
Blog PostMarch 01, 2021When should you seek clinical confirmation of consumer genomic test results?
For many, testing provides a window into their innermost self, their genome, and a new way to learn about themselves.