Ozpolat Lab
Principal Investigator: Busra Duygu Ozpolat
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis (Saint Louis, MO)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Germline Regeneration PROJECT SUMMARY Humans and well-established research organisms lack the ability to regenerate their reproductive cells (germ cells) and reproductive organs. Research findings from these organisms established the current view that germ cells are a distinct lineage separated from the soma; therefore, the loss of germ cells renders an organism infertile because new germ cells cannot be derived from the soma. Contradicting this widely accepted view is the fact that many organisms (e.g. hydra, flatworms, segmented worms, and sea stars) can readily regenerate germ cells. However, the cellular source of regenerated germ cells in these organisms is very poorly understood. The goal of my laboratory is to close this knowledge gap and define the cellular origins and molecular mechanisms of germ cell regeneration. Addressing this is not feasible using established research organisms like mice, fruit flies, and nematodes, because they do not regenerate germ cells. Furthermore, many of the organisms that can regenerate germ cells are not conducive to studying the mechanisms of this process because they lack transgenic tools, or their anat…
Active NIH Awards
- 2R35GM138008-07: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Germline Regeneration (2026)
- 5R35GM138008-06: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Germline Regeneration (2024)
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