Research Bio
Megan Martik is an assistant professor of genetics, genomics and development in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.
Research: The neural crest is an important stem cell population in the embryo characterized by its multipotency, migratory behavior, and broad ability to differentiate into derivatives as diverse as cardiomyocytes, craniofacial skeleton, and the peripheral nervous system. Underlying the development of these unique derivatives is a neural crest gene regulatory network (GRN) that describes the regulatory interactions at each stage of neural crest development. Her team is focused on understanding the regulatory networks controlling the development of the neural crest from a multipotent stem cell population into unique derivatives, how these networks are re-used during adult repair processes, how these networks become dysregulated at the onset of disease, and how these networks evolve to give rise to morphological novelties.
Research Expertise and Interest
neural crest gene regulatory network, vertebrate embryonic development, regeneration of tissue
In the News
Repairing the Heart: If Zebrafish Can Do It, Why Not Humans?
Teaching
Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology [MCELLBI 104 - 001]
Developmental Biology [MCELLBI 141 - 001]
Research Review in Genetics and Development: Vertebrate development and tissue regeneration [MCELLBI 249R - 001]
Research [MCELLBI 292 - 287]
Supervised Research: Biological Sciences [UGIS 192C - 045]
Research Review in Genetics and Development: Vertebrate development and tissue regeneration [MCELLBI 249R - 001]
Research [MCELLBI 292 - 287]
Supervised Research: Biological Sciences [UGIS 192C - 048]
Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology [MCELLBI 104 - 001]
Research Review in Genetics and Development: Vertebrate development and tissue regeneration [MCELLBI 249R - 001]
Graduate Seminar [MCELLBI 290 - C02]
Research [MCELLBI 292 - 287]
Supervised Research: Biological Sciences [UGIS 192C - 047]