The Schimenti lab uses the
laboratory mouse as a model system to investigate the genetics of mammalian
development, gametogenesis, and maintenance of genome integrity. We have used: 1) forward genetic strategies to
generate new mouse models with mutations in novel genes, and 2) reverse genetic
approaches (knockouts in ES cells) to investigate the functions of particular genes. Most of
the mice we study have one of the following phenotypes: cancer susceptibility and elevated genomic instability; sterility due to defects in meiosis or germ cell development/maintenance; or embryonic lethality. We use molecular, genomic and genetic strategies to characterize the underlying mechanisms behind these phenotypes.