Charles J. Billington, Jr.

Year Entered: 2006

Degrees Received:
B.S., History/Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University

Honors and Awards:
Musculoskeletal Biology Training Grant fellowship, 2008-2009

Thesis Advisor: Anna Petryk, M.D., and Michael O'Connor Ph.D., Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics Graduate Program

Thesis Research:

Trying to understand the basis of phenotypic variation arising from within a single given genotype, our lab examines the spectrum of craniofacial malformations resulting from mutation of the gene Twisted Gastrulation. This interactor with the BMP signaling cascade seems to play a role in regulating the formation and patterning of the facial bones, especially the mandible.  Interestingly, the same mutations in our gene do not always give rise to the same degree of phenotypic malformation, resulting in some embryos that develop apparently normally while others are profoundly dysmorphic. We hope to elucidate some of the basis for this difference in developmental outcomes. We are exploring the role of genetic interactions and epigenetic factors in modifying the developmental outcome of our mutations of interest. Ultimately we hope our results will provide insight into the causes of variable penetrance of different genetic mutations underlying clinical developmental syndromes.

In the long term, I am interested in understanding the pathogenesis of developmental malformations as well as understanding the role of epigenetic factors in controlling development and growth. I also am interested in the evolution of developmental mechanisms and am particularly interested in the role of epigenetic factors as a substrate for evolutionary change.

Publications:
Ghatpande SK, Billington CJ Jr, Rivkees SA, Wendler CC. Hypoxia induces cardiac malformations via A1 adenosine receptor activation in chicken embryos. Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, 2008;82:121-130.

Zhang Y, Billington CJ Jr, Pan D, Neufeld TP. Drosophila target of rapamycin kinase functions as a multimer. Genetics. 2006;172:355-362.