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Laboratory focus
The focus of my laboratory is developmental patterning (or morphogenesis) with limb development as the primary model. We are currently investigating genes that establish limb position and orientation. Genes expressed in the presumptive chick wing region have been isolated and are now being examined for their contribution in orchestrating either limb position along the axial skeleton or patterning the limb as it emerges. We are further exploring the patterning mechanisms by which dorsal-ventral asymmetry is imparted to joints, ligaments, and tendons. Our interest in patterning regulation is being extended to "regeneration" of late embryonic chick wings in an effort to examine the "genetic" memory of the residual limb stump and the mechanisms by which near complete and appropriate regeneration is induced.
We have a unique opportunity to correlate our basic research with clinical cases of congenital anomalies/birth defects. Our clinical investigations focus on the molecular basis for embryonic patterning defects (i.e. molecular embryopathy). Of particular interest are syndromes with known gene mutations and congenital limb anomalies.
The laboratory is also supported by the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, which sponsors residents and medical students involved in a variety of clinically related projects including fetal surgery, wound healing, reconstructive techniques, and necrotizing fasciitis.
We also actively participate in the Summer Medical Student Research Program.
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Laboratory personnel
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Kerby C. Oberg, MD, PhD Primary Investigator |
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Charmaine U. Pira, BS Research Assistant |
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Noboru Mishima, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow |
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Kohei Kanaya, MD, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow |
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Shelly A. Caltharp, PhD MD/PhD student |
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Jennifer Feenstra, BS PhD student |
Kerby C. Oberg's personal statement/biosketch
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Last Revised: Fri, Aug 17, 2007
