Research Overview
The Ward lab is interested in the mechanisms of biological timers, how their outputs coordinate cell physiology, and how they can be co-opted into new biological processes. We use the nematode C. elegans as a model organism to approach these problems. We use a combination of genetics, molecular biology, microscopy, in vitro biochemistry, and genomics to understand how a large-scale gene expression oscillator works to control rhythmic skin generation. Our study of one component of this oscillator (NHR-23) has brought us into the germline, where we study how it coordinates spermatogenesis. NHR-23 oscillates in the soma, yet is constitutively expressed in the testes. Interestingly, many mammalian rhythm regulators do the same, but this phenomenon is poorly understood. We also build tools to aid our research and aim to distribute these to the community. Our work is funded by an R01 grant from the NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences and a National Science Foundation CAREER award.