Jay Shendure is interested in developing and applying new technologies and methods for genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. Most of the work of Shendure and his team broadly exploits next-generation DNA sequencing as an effective way to measure biological phenomena. Their current projects fall generally into six areas: developing new molecular methods; genomic approaches to developmental biology; massively parallel functional genomics; translating genomics to the clinic; the genetic basis of human disease; and genome sequencing technologies. Ultimately, Shendure’s aim is to develop innovations that make a big impact on our understanding of biology and disease.
To test their DNA typewriter, scientists sought to hide well-known phrases inside cells. But this invention’s most powerful application may lie in documenting the biological events that unfold within the boundaries of normal and diseased cells. By probing how DNA is packaged in single mouse cells, scientists have uncovered how different types of cells distinguish themselves. The resulting atlas could lead to clearer views of tissue development and how diseases take hold. HHMI scientists have pioneered the use of genome editing to trace lineage in living systems. Research uncovers new information about the biological processes that help ensure that two fly species don’t interbreed.