Cole Laboratory

The Cole lab uses innovative approaches to define homologous recombination pathways and mechanisms using mouse meiosis as their model. Laboratory research centers on the molecular characterization of double-strand break repair pathways at native genomic loci, mechanisms that regulate patterns and distribution of gene conversion, and the interrelationship between DNA repair pathways.

The Cole group is defining the patterns and distribution of recombination in both wild-type and mutant mice at specific “hotspots” in the mouse genome using PCR based assays. They are also developing new methods to analyze recombination genome-wide using the latest deep sequencing technology. These studies will not only help define the basic mechanisms of homologous recombination within an in vivo genomic context, but also uncover the impact of meiotic recombination on genome diversity and evolution.