Using sequences to trace molecular origins.
Our lab is interested in using genomes and molecular sequence data to study the origin of eukaryotes, the evolution of prokaryotes, and the evolution of the multicellular animals. We are also very active in developing computational methods for genome analyses. Using the polymerase chain reaction we are sequencing genes of hyperthermophilic (they grow at temperatures >100¡ C.) and other unusual prokaryotes. Using these data, especially complete genomes, we are investigating deep prokaryotic and eukaryotic relationships, such as identifying the prokaryotic ancestor of eukaryotes, and reconstructing the history and the origins of the multicellular animals. New computational methods are being developed to use DNA, RNA and protein sequences to understand deep evolutionary events. These include devising new methods of sequence alignment and phylogenetic reconstruction specifically designed for genome analysis.