Research Areas
Our research focuses on uncovering the genetic mechanisms underlying human evolution, phenotypic diversity, and disease susceptibility. We employ an integrative approach combining population genetics, functional genomics, and bioinformatics to identify and characterize functional mutations and their target genes.
1. Population Genetics and Evolution
- Studying genetic mechanisms of human adaptive evolution
- Deciphering human evolution by comparing ancient genomes
- Utilizing comparative genomics to understand evolution
2. Functional Genomics and CRISPR Technology
- Integrating MPRA and Hi-C to study gene regulation
- Developing CRISPR-based methods for genome editing and screening
- Implementing single-cell genomics for high-throughput functional screening
3. Gene Regulatory Networks in Human Diseases
- Screening regulatory variants in human diseases combined with GWAS
- Integrating multi-omics data to understand gene regulation mechanisms in diseases
Current Projects
Investigating the evolution of cardiac traits and analyzing population-specific variants and their functional impacts. Developing therapeutic strategies for cardiac diseases.
1. Genetics underlying human heart evolution and diseases
- Investigating the evolution of cardiac traits in African populations
- Analyzing population-specific adaptive variants and their impacts
- Understanding mechanisms of parasite adaptation in African populations
2. African Skin Pigmentation Genetics
- Identifying variants influencing skin pigmentation
- Studying the evolutionary history of African populations
3. Novel Methods Development
- Developing integrative approaches for functional variant analysis
- Implementing single-cell genomics for high-throughput screening
