David Threadgill, PhD

Research Interests

• The laboratory uses the mouse as an experimental genetic model to investigate factors that contribute to inter-individual differences in health and disease. Current research activities include the identification and functional characterization of alleles contributing to cancer susceptibility, the function of the Erbb gene family in development and disease, and the role of genetic variation in response to environmental stimuli. To support these investigations, the lab also develops new genetic tools to support mammalian systems genetic approaches to phenotypes with complex genetic and environmental etiologies.
• Specific areas of current research activity include:
• Cancer genetics: Focuses on colorectal, breast and kidney cancer to identify environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms contributing to differential susceptibility to the development and progression of cancer. Also developing approaches to exploit these factors to prevent or delay cancer as well as to identify new therapies.
• Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr): Uses mouse models with genetically engineered or spontaneous mutations to elucidate the biological role of Egfr and other member of the Erbb gene family in vivo. These studies have led to new insights into the role of these genes in neuronal survival and behavior, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Currently performing mechanistic studies to identify how the Erbb genes contribute to normal and abnormal phenotypes.
• Genetics of environmental response: Just as individuals differ in their genetic constitution and disease susceptibility, they also differ in their responses to exogenous stimuli. Uses mouse models to investigate responses to environmental factors like the enteric flora of the gastrointestinal tract, diet and toxicants like dioxin, trichloroethylene, and arsenic. The goal of these studies is to identify how individual responses to environmental factors leads to differential disease susceptibilities and methods to prevent disease in exposed individuals.
• Systems genetics resources: Participating in a large international effort to develop and exploit a new mouse genetic resources that will support the integration of genetics into systems biological analyses at the whole animal level. These efforts are based upon the Collaborative Cross, which is a unique recombinant inbred population of mice that have randomly assorted the genetic polymorphisms present in the eight founder inbred strains. A major focus of work is the development and use of cell-based platforms for in vitro genetic studies.

Awards, Recognition and Service

• Regents Professor Award conferred by Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas, United States)
• University Distinguished Professor conferred by Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas, United States)
• Tom and Jean McMullin Chair of Genetics conferred by Texas A&M Health Science Center (College Station, Texas, United States)
• AAAS Fellow conferred by American Association For The Advancement of Science (Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States)
• UNC-Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical/Translational Research Award conferred by University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States)
• Jefferson Pilot Scholar Award conferred by University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States)
• V Foundation Scholar Award conferred by V Foundation for Cancer Research (Cary, North Carolina, United States)
• Basil O'Connor Award conferred by March of Dimes (White Plains, New York, United States)
• Individual National Research Service Award conferred by National Institute of General Medical Sciences (Bethesda, Maryland, United States)
• Outstanding Graduate Award for Research conferred by Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas, United States)

Representative Publications

Lab Members

Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Danila Cuomo
• Anna Salvador

Research Assistants

• Krishna Patel

Graduate Research Assistant

• Michael McGill
• Brittni Ming-Whitfield
• Ana Valesquez
• Kaitlyn Carter
• Alexandra Naron
• Casey Hughes Lago