Research
themes

The germ line is where genomic changes transit from one generation to the next, so it sits at the interface between developmental and evolutionary biology. Our work builds on discoveries about how the C. elegans germ line stem cell niche is formed and how it regulates stem cells.

Pubmed

The stem cell niche

We are undertaking mechanistic investigations of how niche-adjacent cells regulate niche function, how stem cells shape their niche, and how the niche supports stem cells and builds the gonad shape as it migrates during larval development.

Evolution of genes and gene expression

Dr. Gordon has a longstanding interest in evolution, especially the evolution of regulatory information in the genome. Approaching questions of evolutionary biology with the techniques of cell biology and developmental genetics will yield unique insights in the future.

Collaborations: genetically manipulated worms for toxicology studies

We collaborate with Dr. Jessica Hartman of MUSC on projects related to aging, exercise, metabolism, and toxicity by making transgenic worms that express human proteins or tagged worm proteins.

Research themes

The stem cell niche

Evolution of genes and gene expression

Collaborations: genetically manipulated worms for toxicology studies

Research
themes