Andrew Kern
Senior Editor

Andrew Kern is an Evergreen Professor in the Department of Biology and the Institute for Ecology and Evolution at the University of Oregon. His research combines modern machine learning methods with classical probabilistic approaches and large-scale simulation to gain insight into population genetic and evolutionary biological questions. His lab focuses on methods development, creating new tools that empower the field to gain insights that weren’t attainable previously. One fundamental thread that has run through his entire research career is understanding the impact of natural selection on genetic variation in natural populations including models such as humans, mosquitoes, and fruit flies as well as non-model systems such as barnacles and octopuses.  He completed his ScB in Biology at Brown University and his PhD in Population Genetics at the University of California, Davis. Kern was an NIH Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Santa Cruz where he studied Computational Biology under the mentorship of David Haussler. Before arriving at the University of Oregon, Kern served as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College, and both an Assistant and Associate Professor of Genetics at Rutgers University.

Thomas Hurd
Associate Editor, Molecular Genetics of Development

Thomas Hurd is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. He earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Toronto and his PhD in mitochondrial biology at Cambridge University, where he studied under Michael Murphy. During his postdoctoral fellowship with Ruth Lehmann at NYU, he used Drosophila to uncover mechanisms of mitochondrial inheritance through the female germline. His current research continues to investigate this topic through genetic, molecular, and cytological approaches.

Why Publish in GENETICS?

Alexander Edward Lipka
Senior Editor

Alexander Edward Lipka leads a research team at the University of Illinois that applies cutting-edge statistical approaches to quantitative genetics analyses, resulting in more accurate quantification of genomic signals underlying phenotypic variation and prediction of breeding values of agronomically important traits. His lab also develops freely available software that enables the broader research community to apply these approaches to their own work. Here are some examples of publications from his lab:

Why Publish in G3?

Antonis Rokas
Senior Editor

Antonis Rokas holds the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Biological Sciences and is a Professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University. He also serves as the Founding Director of the Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, an interdisciplinary center that unites scholars from diverse disciplines with broad interests and expertise in evolution-related fields. Research in the Rokas lab focuses on the study of the DNA record to gain insight into the patterns and processes of evolution. Using computational and experimental approaches, their current studies aim to understand the molecular foundations of the fungal lifestyle, the reconstruction of the tree of life, and the evolution of human pregnancy. Rokas is a Guggenheim Fellow (2018), a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2019), and an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2020).

Why Publish in G3?

Christos Palaiokostas
Associate Editor, Fish and Complex Traits section

Christos Palaiokostas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. He is working in the field of aquaculture genetics and breeding. He received his PhD from the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling University in Scotland, while studying the sex determining system of fish with sexual dimorphism. During his postdoc at the Roslin Institute of Edinburgh University he worked on improving disease resistance in farmed fish using genomics. His research is focused in the application of high-throughput sequencing and genotyping technologies for studying complex traits in aquatic organisms.

Why Publish in G3?

Biodegradation is currently the most eco-friendly approach to breaking down complex plastic into less harmful products. Luckily, a number of insects and microorganisms have the capability to digest plastic polymers, and several studies have shown that insect guts can biodegrade plastics faster than environmental microbes. To tackle the global—and mounting—plastic waste problem, researchers look to these critters in hopes of adapting their enzymatic capabilities into efficient systems that can degrade plastic waste at scale.

In a recent study published in the June issue of G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, Young et al. report an improved reference genome for the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella as a tool to identify enzymatic pathways with plastic biodegradation properties.

Well-known as a honeybee pest, greater wax moth larvae feed on beeswax, which contains long-chain hydrocarbons. Since long-chain hydrocarbons are also the major constituent in polyethylene (PE), researchers are quite interested in the enzymes responsible for beeswax degradation; in fact, the hexamerin and arylphorin proteins, found in larval saliva, have demonstrated PE-degrading abilities. Evidence suggesting wax moth larvae can degrade other plastics like polystyrene and polypropylene makes them attractive for plastic biodegradation research. The extent to which moth larvae possess plastic catabolizing enzymes is unclear; however, since both the larvae themselves and their gut microbiota have been implicated in PE biodegradation.

Since the existing reference genome for G. mellonella was fragmented, Young et al. combined short- and long-read sequencing approaches to generate a new assembly with improved continuity, identifying an additional 3,000 mRNA sequences. This new reference genome also supported phylogenetic comparisons with other Lepidoptera members such as moths, butterflies, and silkworms, allowing the authors to begin constructing an understanding of the evolutionary history of PE-degrading enzymes in winged insects.

Secreted proteins have a much better chance of playing a role in long-chain hydrocarbon degradation than intracellular proteins, so the authors investigated 3,865 proteins identified as secreted in their assembly, finding numerous hydrolases, transferases, oxidoreductases, ligases, lyases, and isomerases. They propose that these secretory enzymes, which may have evolved to catabolize a variety of exogenous and insoluble polymers, must also be capable of processing long-chain polymers like polyethylene. Several of the identified hydrolases and oxidoreductases are members of enzyme classes known to degrade plastic. They also found 135 hydrolases and 10 oxidoreductases that are predicted to act on ester bonds and peroxide, which may make them capable of breaking polyethylene. This genome is one of many sequenced by the Applied Genomics Initiative at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia. The initiative aims to sequence the genomes of a variety of organisms of interest to enable translational research in areas such as conservation, biosecurity, and health. The improved reference genome for the greater wax moth will continue to aid researchers in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind its ability to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons; hopefully, these larvae can become a powerhouse for developing industrial and bioremediation applications in reducing plastic waste.

Nick Rhind
Senior Editor

Nick Rhind studied math and biology as an undergraduate at Brown University and found the biology a lot easier. He went on to do his graduate work at the University of California, Berkeley, studying worm sex-determination in the Meyer lab. However, studying one thousand cells at once was a bit too complicated. So, for his postdoctoral training, he moved to Paul Russell’s’ lab at the Scripps Research Institute to try to figure out how fission yeast know how big they are. There, he also became interested in how and why cells regulate the cell cycle in response to DNA damage. He has continued those lines of research in his own laboratory at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, focusing recently on cell size and more general questions about the regulation of DNA replication kinetics, work that has led back to his mathematical roots, with productive collaborations in both genomic analysis and analytic modeling.

Why Publish in G3?

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

Irina Yushenova
Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee
Marine Biological Laboratory

Research Interest

I love enzymes. And this is a very broad statement—just like saying “I love people.” There are eight billion people on Earth, and all of them are unique. We all have our personalities. We can be seen as good, bad, or even objectively terrible. Enzymes are just like that. They all have their own personalities in terms of what they do and how they do it. Just like with people, you can assign them into several categories, and as with people, some of them are more attractive than others. All of them, though, are non-static. Enzymes represent the molecules of life that perform some actions. They are not just present; enzymes change the environment around them. They, for example, can protect cells from various stresses, as heat shock proteins do by protecting other proteins from denaturation and eventually helping those affected proteins become “healthy” again. Heat shock proteins were my first scientific crush, and eventually they became the main focus of my PhD dissertation.

There is also another group of enzymes called reverse transcriptases, which build DNA using RNA as a template. The discovery of reverse transcriptases challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, which stated that the information in the cells follow the DNA-RNA-protein line only. In a sense, reverse transcriptases are the rock stars among other proteins—the ones who break the rules and go their own way. Again, some of them, like telomerases, are constructive enzymes that protect the cells. Some are rebels who can destroy essential genes and cause organisms to die, yet they also help evolution to create biodiversity, as mobile elements do. In very rare occasions, scientists are lucky to discover an enzyme that comes to the organism from another, even very distinct, species. It happens when genetic material from one species is transferred to another, making those genes horizontally transferred. If some gene were allowed to be a part of a new genome, the enzyme it produces would be nontrivial. In a prism of evolution, such travelers can allow the organism to create a completely new way to increase survival. So, my personal scientific passion are enzymes with “outstanding personalities,” whether in a good or offbeat way. Currently, I am focusing on domesticated reverse transcriptase-related genes and mobile Penelope-like elements.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

All my life I wanted to be a scientist. It was love at first sight with both biology and chemistry. Working in a field of biochemistry and molecular biology was my childhood dream long before I learned what exactly it would entail in practice. But I was never disappointed. At age twelve, I was already planning to become a professor/principal investigator who runs their own lab in a research institution. I followed this plan for years, first getting a doctorate in veterinary medicine—to also fulfill my passion for medicine not restricted to one species—and then a doctorate in molecular biology. Then, I moved to the USA to do my postdoc and learn another culture. A couple of years later, I realized that something was holding me back from my initial plan. Although I still enjoyed doing research, mentoring students, writing papers and grants, and even performing administrative tasks, something was missing. More than once, I heard other scientists say how much they hate when somebody asks, “What is a practical implication of your research?” This question had never felt wrong for me. After five years of training for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, it is natural for me to say that discovery A could be helpful in area X maybe in ten years, and discovery B would potentially give humanity a tool to fight disease Y. I automatically think about how each scientific question I seek to answer could not just fulfill my curiosity and contribute to textbooks for future generations but also eventually help to protect the life on this planet. Recently, I started wondering whether, before committing to a life-long, tenure-track professor position, I should try a scientific position in industry. The more I talk to industry scientists, the more I see how happy people are, seeing the immediate results of their research. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how important it is to control cross-species pathogens to save lives. Thus, while I am fully committed to bringing to success the most beloved research projects I am working on right now, I am also looking forward to applying my skills in industry.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

As I mentioned already, I feel strongly connected to both basic life science research and applied medical fields. While working in academia, I have always enjoyed making more connections in veterinary, medical, or for example, food production sectors. It becomes obvious for me that people from these different sectors speak different languages. It is extremely sad if you think about it. The whole society misses a lot of opportunities to advance both basic and applied science. While scientists who work for government must learn how to speak to policymakers, other government officials, and manufacturers, the typical academic life scientist might struggle to talk to an economist. Nowadays, we all understand the importance of interdisciplinary studies. There are many great collaborations between data scientists and molecular biologists or microscopists and embryologists. Yet, it could be even more productive. Instead of saying “I don’t understand what you want to do” and walking away, let’s say, “Wow, I don’t understand what you are saying, but together we can get a full picture of the phenomenon we both care about. Let’s collaborate!” My background allows me to understand both basic life science and veterinary doctors’ languages. I work toward organizing more collaborations with animal caregivers (veterinary doctors, aquaculture professionals, etc.). I also work on bringing more people—students or teachers, who would prepare the next generation of students—from poor and disadvantaged countries into world-class science and industry. I believe that raising awareness about available opportunities and active outreach will help to ensure the future success of life science and applied fields. Being part of the Early Career Leadership Program at GSA greatly helps me to establish new connections and learn how to effectively communicate with people from different backgrounds.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

The Early Career Leadership Program gives us an amazing opportunity to embrace our creativity in the way we feel would be the most beneficial for the broad community. I would like to help other early career scientists to be more prepared for the often unspoken pitfalls along their research journey. We all come from different backgrounds, and we are not always lucky to encounter the right mentor for navigating the new environment. It can be a new country that is very different from our native culture and social system. It can be stereotypes attached to our national origin. It can be the lack of understanding from superiors and colleagues that might restrict us from advancing our career as fast as others. Perhaps our visa situation prevents us from travels, attending international meetings, or doing internships in some organizations. In some cases, people will sacrifice their freedoms in favor of doing some particular research. Sometimes, there are unspoken rules, which we need to know to become successful in a new system. I believe that science loses a lot of bright minds who must give up because of non-research-related struggles. As a member of the Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee, I deeply enjoy working on various projects that aim to provide peer support for young scientists, raise awareness about new opportunities, help access information that might be crucial to advance careers, or learn how to be a good leader—which I would define as the one who inspires others and helps everyone on their team be successful. It is an exciting journey to lead a project when members of your team are located from one coast of the Pacific Ocean to another and have different points of view and goals in life. It is complicated but very rewarding at the end of the day. I am infinitely grateful to GSA for such an invaluable experience.

I also take full advantage of training courses offered for ECLP members. With English being my second language, I always feel that my writing—especially non-scientific—stays on the level of a high schooler. Thus, the variety of writing courses offered to us became a significant development for me. I hope to leave this program with significantly improved writing skills, in addition to solidified leadership skills.

Previous leadership experience

Research advisor for seventeen students (high school, undergrad, and grad school level), 2013-present

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

José Humberto da Cunha
Accessibility Subcommittee
University of São Paulo

Research Interest

My research interest is in human and medical genetics, specifically skull and face dysmorphology, teratology, and related syndromes. I like to research the genetic factors that lead to congenital anomalies in families of carriers and affected individuals. In addition to genetics, other factors associated with environmental exposure contribute to congenital anomalies. One of them, which is part of my study in teratology, is the disease of diabetes mellitus, which triggers many changes during the formation of the embryo. I am directly affected by this due to my mother’s insulin imbalance when she was pregnant with me. As a result, I have bilateral hearing loss, facial paralysis on the right side, neurogenic bladder, malformation of the fingers on the right hand, and heart disease. And with that, I intend to investigate how to reduce the risks of congenital anomalies in gestational diabetes in the next generations.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem in Brazil, as well as worldwide. Therefore, I consider it of greater personal interest to raise new questions and continue previous studies around it. The affected phenotype in diabetes mellitus stems from a wide spectrum that can be found in a mother-child relationship during the gestational period. The Brazilian population is heterogeneous due to immigration from Europe, Africa, and West Asia. This both makes the study of the disease interesting and suitable for comparison with others from around the world and also opens the conversation about lowering the risks of congenital anomalies.

My career interest is primarily research. Currently, I develop strategies to organize patient data, identify risks through clinical symptoms and patient family history, and, thus, verify the occurrences of genetic syndromes in the literature. To deepen my analysis, I also create tables with the data, apply the necessary quantitative formulas, and treat this research in a broader and more complex way, just as others in population genetics have done. I want to continue my study around diabetes mellitus in my master’s degree in rehabilitation sciences at the Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofacial in Brazil.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I aim to promote values essential for fostering a productive and harmonious scientific enterprise. This begins with prioritizing the assessment of social dynamics within research groups, ensuring that respect, empathy, and effective communication prevail. Additionally, offering support and resources, such as psychological assistance, I emphasize the importance of self-reflection to enhance personal conduct and professional relationships. In my interactions with fellow researchers, I advocate for inclusive practices, constructive feedback, and a collaborative spirit aimed at advancing knowledge for societal benefit.

Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines enriches perspectives and fosters collaboration. I plan to share the significance of networking in science by leading through example and engaging in interdisciplinary communication. I aim to discuss my research projects and accomplishments with enthusiasm, stepping out of my comfort zone to interact with others passionate about various fields. By promoting networking as a vital aspect of scientific progress, I hope to inspire others to embrace collaboration and knowledge exchange across boundaries.

Ultimately, by embodying these values and promoting them within the scientific community, I aim to cultivate a culture where curiosity thrives, relationships flourish, and knowledge is shared for the betterment of society.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, my main objective is to help researchers with disabilities from all parts of the world perform well in their research career. I want to understand the accessibility challenges faced by scientists and find solutions that would help scientists with disabilities reach their professional goals. I plan to accomplish this through social media and web outreach, social inclusion projects, and advocacy for a more accessible and equitable scientific community for all.

I also want to promote intercultural dialogue around disability in the scientific community. Since every region of the world has a different culture around disability, there are a lot of opportunities for people to not only learn from each other but also be inspired by one another’s unique personal and professional journeys.

Lastly, as a man with bilateral hearing impairment and other health complications from being the son of a mother who had diabetic complications, I was stereotyped as incapable in childhood by my classmates and teachers, as well as relatives and townspeople. As an accomplished scientist with international experience, I want to tell the world that anything is possible through dedication, respect, humility, and love for others.

Previous leadership experience

• Director of Sports, the Academic Center of Biomedicine at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Creative Director of Marketing & Advertising on social networks, the Academic League of Genetics at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Extension Project Developer,  “Conexão LiAGen”, dissemination of basic notions of genetics through social networks
• Senior Ambassador in the Health Sciences area in the science extension project “À Brasileirinha: Organização de eventos científicos, debates e aulas práticas em prol da divulgação científica para a população acadêmica e da comunidade local da cidade da instituição do ensino superior”

University of Minnesota researchers have successfully mapped the complete genome of the endangered Przewalski’s horse. Once extinct in the wild, the species now has a population of around 2,000 animals thanks to conservation efforts.

The study, published in the journal G3, was led by Nicole Flack and Lauren Hughes, researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine, along with Christopher Faulk, a professor in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. University of Minnesota students contributed to the genome sequencing through Faulk’s animal science course. 

“The genome is the basic blueprint for an animal and tells us what makes a species unique and also tells us about the health of a population,” said Faulk. “My students worked together to produce the highest quality Przewalski’s horse genome in the world.”

Researchers can now use this as a tool to make accurate predictions about what gene mutations mean for Przewalski’s horse health and conservation.  

“Studying genes without a good reference is like doing a 3 billion-piece puzzle without the picture on the box,” said Flack. “Przewalski’s horse researchers studying mutations in an important gene need a good reference picture to compare their puzzle with.” 

Researchers used a blood sample from Varuschka, a 10-year-old Przewalski’s mare at the Minnesota Zoo, to construct a representative map of genes for the species. The zoo has long been active in Przewalski’s horse breeding and management, with over 50 foals born since the 1970s. 

“We were excited to partner with the University of Minnesota to preserve the genetic health of the species as their populations continue to recover, both in zoos and in the wild,” said Anne Rivas, doctor of veterinary medicine at the Minnesota Zoo. “We are thrilled to offer our community the opportunity to see the horse as the results of our conservation efforts.” 

The cutting-edge technology sequencing used to construct the genome uses a small machine about the size of a soda can. Its portability means this method could be adapted for further study of wild Przewalski’s horses in remote locations.

Future applications of the reference genome may include studying genes that help the horse adapt to environmental changes, identifying mutations associated with specific traits or diseases, and informing future breeding decisions to help improve upon genetic diversity. Given the extreme population bottleneck that occurred during the near-extinction of Przewalski’s horse, such understanding is crucial for continued breeding efforts.