R. Craig Albertson
Our research lies at the intersection of genes, development and evolution. For reasons of experimental utility and evolutionary richness, our experimental model is the craniofacial skeleton (and other neural crest derived structures) in bony fishes. Specifically, we are interested in integrating studies in laboratory models (e.g., zebrafish) and natural populations (e.g., cichlid fishes) to address two general research questions: What are the factors that contribute to craniofacial development? And what are the factors that underlie variation in craniofacial shape? Methods of study include quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, population genomics, genome-wide transcription profiling, experimental embryology, and quantitative shape analysis (geometric morphometrics).
Current Research
Evolutionary mutant models to study development, disease and evolution There is a fine line between disease and adaptation,and in many instances the distinction between “clinical” and “adaptive” variation is only a matter of lineage. Certain Antarctic icefish species have osteopenia, blind cavefish exhibit retinal degeneration, and many squamate reptiles undergo heterotopic ossification. In each of these cases, the phenotype is adaptive, but mimics a maladaptive human condition. These “evolutionary mutant models” represent an innovative, but as yet underutilized resource with which to dissect the genetic factors that underlie the development of complex morphologies, and affect human health and diseases. We focus primarily on how phenotypic variation in bony fishes models certain human conditions characterized by craniofacial and skeletal defects.
The genetic determinants of complex patterns of shape variation - While traditional mutagenesis screens have provided critical insights into how the craniofacial skeleton is patterned comparatively little is known about how this structure is shaped over extended periods of ontogeny. We combine model and non-model organisms, as well as traditional embryology with geometric morphometrics to address this important gap in of knowledge.
Learn more at www.bio.umass.edu/biology/about/directories/faculty/r-craig-albertson
Academic Background
- PhD University of New Hampshire
- Postdoctoral Training: The Forsyth Institute and Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
