David Threadgill, PhD

Research Interests

• Our laboratory uses the mouse as an experimental genetic model to investigate factors that contribute to inter-individual differences in health and disease. Ourcurrent research activities include the identification and functional characterization of alleles contributing to cancer susceptibility, the function of theErbbgenefamily in development and disease, and the role of genetic variation in response to environmental stimuli. To support these investigations, we also aredeveloping 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 We are focusing on colorectal, breast and kidney cancer to identify environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms contributing to differentialsusceptibility to the development and progression of cancer. We are also developing approaches to exploit these factors to prevent or delay cancer as well asto identify new therapies.
• Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) We are using mouse models with genetically engineered or spontaneous mutations to elucidate the biological roleofEgfrand other member of theErbbgene family in vivo. These studies have lead to new insights into the role of these genes in neuronal survival andbehavior, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease. We are currently performing mechanistic studies to identify how theErbbgenes contribute to normaland abnormal phenotypes.
• Genetics of environmental response Just as individuals differ in their genetic constitution and disease susceptibility, they also differ in their responses toexogenous stimuli. We are using mouse models to investigate responses to environmental factors like the enteric flora of the gastrointestinal tract, diet andtoxicants like dioxin, trichloroethylene, and arsenic. The goal of these studies is to identify how individual responses to environmental factors leads to differential diseasesusceptibilities and methods to prevent disease in exposed individuals.
• Systems genetics resources We are participating in a large international effort to develop and exploit a new mouse genetic resources that will support theintegration of genetics into systems biological analyses at the whole animal level. These efforts are based upon the Collaborative Cross, which is a uniquerecombinant inbred population of mice that have randomly assorted the genetic polymorphisms present in the eight founder inbred strains. A major focus of our 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