Investigating Mechanisms of Chromosome Segregation and Ploidy Reduction in Human Fungal Pathogens

The meiotic cell cycle is ubiquitous across eukaryotes. However, some organisms (like the fungal pathogen Candida albicans) have evolved unconventional cell cycles to reduce ploidy (i.e., parasexuality).  We aim to characterize the regulatory mechanisms and cytological rules governing parameiosis. 

De novo evolution of non-meiotic ploidy reduction mechanisms

Chromosomal instability in polyploid cells has been linked to the success of fungal pathogens and cancer cells as it can accelerate phenotypic evolution. We use a combination of experimental evolution, genetics, and genomics to track and mechanistically characterize the different evolutionary trajectories that populations may take to evolve ploidy reduction.

Chromosomal Instability and Adaptation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

How do karyotypes change over time? Using both wild isolates and lab strains of S. cerevisiae, our lab studies the genetic variation (mutations and ploidy changes) that arises in populations and its contribution to genome instability. We are also interested in how karyotypes change in stressful conditions (e.g., presence of antifungals).