Research Spotlight Archive
Dave Hachey, Pharm. D. ongoing HIV grant. . . read more
Chris J. Cretekos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Histology and Embryology, National Science Foundation Research Grant: IOS - 1255926, Collaborative Research: Genetic determinants of mammalian limb biodiversity: $150,000 in direct costs, 3/1/2013 - 2/28/2016 (Co-PI). . . read more
Chris J. Cretekos, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Histology and Embryology
National Science Foundation Research Grant: IOS - 1255926, Collaborative Research: Genetic determinants of mammalian limb biodiversity: $150,000 in direct costs, 3/1/2013 - 2/28/2016 (Co-PI) Genetic determinants of mammalian limb biodiversity
ABSTRACT: As a class, mammals display enormous diversity in form and function. From the tiny hog-nosed bat that weighs less than 2 grams to giant 150 ton Blue whales, mammals walk, run, jump, swim, glide, or fly through nearly every terrestrial, aquatic, or aerial habitat on the planet. The proposed research will take advantage of an excellent model system, the developing mammalian limb, to investigate how gene regulation during development is modified by natural selection to generate biodiversity. Available evidence suggests that mammalian limb diversification has probably not occurred mainly by the evolution of new genes, but by differential regulation of existing genes shared by all mammals. However, we do not know how the regulation of these shared genes is altered to generate the great variation in limb development and form among mammals, nor which specific genes are most important to the development of species-specific limb shape and function. This represents a fundamental gap in our knowledge: without this knowledge we cannot understand the role development has played in shaping the evolution of mammalian limbs, and therefore why mammals have evolved some limb forms and not others. To fill this gap we will use a molecular method called RNAseq to compare gene expression during limb development in three mammals: bat (Carollia perspicillata), opossum (Monodelphis domestica), and mouse (Mus musculus). These species are taxonomically diverse, have readily available embryonic materials, and represent extremes of mammalian limb development and adult limb structure. The proposed research will also create new training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, provide resources that will advance bats and opossums as emerging model organisms for developmental studies, and identify genes that may be targets for novel therapies in the treatment of birth defects such as limb deformities.
David Hachey, Pharm.D.
David Hachey, Pharm.D., and the Ryan White HIV Program at the Idaho State University Family Medicine Residency are a cornerstone for providing medical treatment to people with HIV infection in Southeast Idaho.
Over the last 13 years at ISU's Department of Family Medicine, Hachey, a Clinical Professor in Family Medicine, has secured more than $1 million in funding-primarily from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration-for the care of HIV patients in Southeast Idaho and western Wyoming. ISU Family Medicine is currently providing care and services for about 120 HIV patients.