Eric Stoffregen, Ph.D.

Summary: We are broadly interested in the topics of DNA replication and repair, how DNA sequence variation affects biological function, and how early exposure to DNA damage affects long-term biological outcomes. More specifically, we use Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly) to study Blm DNA helicase, an enzyme capable of unwinding double-stranded DNA molecules. Blm recognizes and unwinds structures that arise following breaks in the DNA, or structures that result from stalled or collapsed replication forks. We are primarily interested in the role Blm plays during early development in Drosophila. Recent and ongoing projects include assessing the consequences of Blm-deficient development on long-term biological outcomes such as lifespan, circadian rhythm, metabolism, and stress response.

Minimum classes: N/A

Projects:

• Long-term biological consequences of Blm-deficient development
  • This project may involve lifespan assays (Drosophila genetic techniques, data collection and analysis), fertility assays (Drosophila genetics techniques, data collection and analysis), and circadian rhythm monitoring.
• Consequences of early DNA damage on circadian rhythm, aging, and stress response
  • This project may involve exploring other DNA damage response genes and the consequences of their absence of these normal biological responses and behaviors.