Brad A. Amendt, Ph.D.
1994, University of Iowa
Texas A&M University Institute of Biosciences and Technology
Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine
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Brad A. Amendt, Ph.D. 1994, University of Iowa Texas A&M University Institute of Biosciences and Technology |
Research Interests:
My research focuses on two major areas, 1) studying the expression and regulation of homeobox genes involved in mammalian development and 2) the molecular basis of selected human genetic disorders. My laboratory is dedicated to understanding the role of homeodomain transcription factors in tooth and craniofacial development. PITX2 homeobox gene mutations are associated with the human genetic disorder Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS). ARS patients present clinically with defects in eye, tooth, pituitary, and heart development. PITX2 mutations have provided the basis for our studies in the development of tooth and heart tissues. Our primary focus is to identify factors that interact with PITX2 to regulate its transcriptional activity in the coordinated control of mammalian development. The naturally occurring PITX2 mutations associated with ARS can provide a tool to study PITX2 involvement in cellular functions such as proliferation and differentiation. We are working to identify the downstream target genes of PITX2 and characterize their involvement in embryogenesis. The overall goal of the laboratory is to elucidate the combinatorial code of transcription factors and mechanisms required for normal development of craniofacial structures and teeth.
A tutorial in my laboratory would provide an introduction into several mechanisms involved in regulating gene expression using basic molecular biology techniques including cloning, protein purification, DNA-protein interactions, transient transfections, quantitative RT-PCR, yeast two-hybrid assays, in-situ hybridization, chromatin immunoprecipitation, mouse genetics (transgenics and knock outs), human genetics and the analysis of mutations and mutant proteins.
Selected Publications:
Shaw, P.A., X. Zhang, A.F. Russo, B.A. Amendt, S. Henderson, and V. Williiams, 2003. Homeobox Protein, Hmx, in Postnatally Developing Rat Submandibular Glands. J Histochem Cytochem. 51:385-96.
Ganga, M., L. H. M. Espinoza, C.J. Cox, L. Morton, T.A. Hjalt, Y. Lee, and B.A. Amendt, 2003. PITX2 Isoform-specific Regulation of Atrial Natriuretic Factor Expression: Synergism and Repression with Nkx2.5. J. Biol. Chem., 278:22437-22445.
Trembath D.G., E.V. Semina, D. H. Jones, S. Patil, Q. Qian, B.A. Amendt, A.F. Russo and J.C. Murray, 2004. Analysis of Two Translocation Breakpoints and Identification of a Negative Regulatory Element in Patients with Rieger Syndrome. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 70:82-91.