Our research is focused on the genetics of human embryo and germ cell (oocyte and sperm) development. We identified and characterized novel genes that are required for formation and/or differentiation of premeiotic germ cells. Some of the proteins encoded by these genes, such as DAZL (Deleted in AZoospermia-Like), PUMILIO, and NANOS, are homologs of germ plasm components in lower organisms that are required for germ cell formation and differentiation in males and females.

Subsequently, our analysis of these genes led us to human embryonic stem cell biology as we tracked gene function to the birth of germ cells and sought a developmental system to manipulate genes against a human ... More