| Email: mylerpj@u.washington.edu -or- mylerpj@sbri.org |
Dr. Myler’s current research is focused on using genome-wide laboratory and bioinformatics-based approaches to study regulation of gene expression in protozoan parasites. This work has been greatly enhanced by the recent completion of the trypanosomatid genome sequence, in which he played a leadership role. One NIH-funded project seeks to characterize the molecular machinery involved in the unique polycistronic transcription of protein-coding genes in trypanosomatids. A second project uses DNA microarrays to identify changes in gene expression during differentiation of Leishmania between the insect and mammalian stages. A third project seeks to use comparative genomics approaches to identify genes involved in tissue tropism shown by the different Leishmania species and strains. As part of the Trypanosomatid program at SBRI, Dr. Myler is also actively involved in the discovery of new drugs against trypanosomes and Leishmania, as well as development of improved diagnostics for infection with these parasites.