Email: liny@stjohns.edu
Our laboratory studies chromosome structure. We have examined
chromosomes from rare diseases such as Werner's Syndrome (premature
aging) in order to identify regions of instability, heterochromatin
content, and other structureal anomalies and aberrations. Recent
investigations in our laboratory have promulgated a new hypothesis
for chromosome structure, with heterochromatin acting as a surface
feature or "covering" of chromosomes.
Sister chromatid differential exchange (SCE) frequency is an
important parameter of chromosome anomalies. We have investigated
the effects of diet on SCE frequency in animals, and have also
employed plant chromosomes in similar studies.
Recent publications from our laboratory focused on the role of
nuclear chromocenters in biological regeneration in animals.