Sullivan-Brown Lab
Research Interests
WHAT
we research
In the Sullivan-Brown lab, we study the roles of folic acid metabolism during development. We are primarily interested in studying the connections between folic acid metabolism genes and neural tube development. The neural tube is an embryonic structure that forms during early stages of development, giving rise to the brain and spinal cord.
We use different approaches to study these questions, including two vertebrate models systems (the fish and frog) and one invertebrate model system, the roundworm C. elegans. Even though C. elegans lack a neural tube, important cellular behaviors that are essential in vertebrate neural tube closure are conserved in the worm embryo! Top picture is by student Nancy Brant, analyzing the expression of a folic acid metabolism in a frog embryo and bottom picture is by student Kalin Konrad analyzing cell movements in an embryo with a disrupted folic acid metabolism gene.
WHY
it's important
Researching the neural tube at early stages of development is important because neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida ("split spine") are very serious medical conditions that typically result in life-long disabilities. Spina Bifida occurs when a baby's neural tube fails to develop or close properly.
Approximately 166,000 individuals in the United States have Spina Bifida and is considering the second most common congenital defect.
Please visit the Spina Bifida Association to learn more and to donate to support their important cause.
