Ogas Lab Wiki



Ogas Lab Wiki Overview
This wiki contains information about Ogas lab at Purdue University Biochemistry.

Current Research Interest
Deciphering the role of CHD3/Mi-2 proteins as regulators of developmental transitions in plants and animals.

CHD3/Mi-2 proteins are found throughout eukaryotes and are now known to play critical roles in development as key regulators of gene expression. Dr. Ogas was among the first to uncover a developmental role for CHD3/Mi-2  proteins when he discovered that PICKLE  (PKL), a CHD3/Mi-2  gene in the model  system Arabidopsis, was necessary for repression of embryonic identity. CHD3/Mi-2  remodelers  are now known to play a large number of roles in development, including determination of body plan in Drosophila, specification of somatic and germline cell identity in C. elegans, and as a critical tumor suppressor in humans.

The research program of Dr. Ogas has expanded to reflect the growing awareness of the fundamental importance of  CHD3/Mi-2 remodelers in  differentiation and development in plants and animals. Dr. Ogas  continues to exploit the singular aspects of PKL function in Arabidopsis to elucidate common mechanisms of developmental regulation by CHD3/Mi-2  proteins in eukaryotes. In  addition,  Dr.  Ogas  recently began using the zebrafish model system to determine how the CHD3/Mi-2 protein CHD5 suppresses tumor formation in humans. The Ogas lab combines genetic, biochemical, and genomic approaches within the context of the unique biology of each  organism to seek fundamental insights into the mechanism of action of CHD3/Mi-2 remodelers with the goal of real world relevance.

For inquiries about our research, contact Joe Ogas (ogas@purdue.edu).



Ogas Lab Members:
Senior Research Associate:

Kwok Ki Ho (KK)

Graduate Students:

Erin Sorlien (esorlien@purdue.edu)

Lab Fun-tivities

 * Ben Carter, Taylor Sabato, Erin Sorlien, Brett Bishop, Ellen Denning, and Hank Richburg nearly made it out from Sherlock's study at the Lafayette Escape Rooms! Better luck next time!


 * Gracie and Nemo (the lab puppies) are always sleeping on the job.


 * Mary Witucki and Erin Sorlien in the fish facility, working hard to keep the tanks clean, fish fed and happy.


 * Emily Overway, Erin, KK, Ben, Brett, John Petroskey, Joe ogas and Gilbert Kayanja posing for a lab group photo.