Gray Lab
Principal Investigator: Ryan Scott Gray
Institution: The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
Primary Subfield: Genetics/Genomics
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
ABSTRACT This is a renewal application of an established program to investigate the regulation of the development and homeostasis of the spine. During the first funding period, our studies demonstrated that the gene Adgrg6, implicated in a common human spine disorder called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, has an essential role in maintaining spine alignment in mice. We showed that the G-protein coupled rector Adgrg6 regulates gene expression and biomechanical properties of the intervertebral discs and dense connective tissue of the spine. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Adgrg6 stimulates cAMP signaling regulate factors essential for homeostasis of fibrocartilaginous tissue of the spine. Our findings suggest a new hypothesis that stimulation of cAMP signaling can decrease the onset and severity of scoliosis caused by the loss of Adgrg6 signaling. In addition, human genetics analysis of scoliosis identified a novel variant located in the transcriptional activation domain of the transcription factor SOX9. Significantly, targeted disruption of this domain of Sox9 in mice caused scoliosis and dysregulation of gene expression in fibrocartilaginous tissues of the spine. Here, we will t…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01AR072009-09: Investigations of the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of scoliosis. (2026)
- 5R01AR072009-08: Investigations of the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of scoliosis. (2025)
- 3R01AR072009-07S1: Expanding expertise to define map protein complexes and signaling essential for skeletal structure and growth. (2024)
- 5R01AR072009-07: Investigations of the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of scoliosis. (2024)
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