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Our goals
We seek to understand the mammalian immune system's molecular machinery against infections of all kinds, and to produce and archive mutations affecting mouse genetic function.
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Our discoveries
The Beutler lab used a classical genetic approach to discover that Toll-like receptors are molecular sensors of infection. This work was recognized with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
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Our approach
We begin with phenotypes induced by chemical mutagenesis, identify the causative mutations, and then determine precisely how they cause abnormal function. We also sequence and store the affected DNA for future use.
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Our methods
We use classical genetics, empowered by modern tools, to decipher gene function. Our "phenotype first" approach assures an unbiased search for the proteins that affect specific biological phenomena.
The Major Questions
How do we "know" when we have an infection? What receptors alert us? With the tools of genetics, answers are emerging.
Mutagenetix
Mutagenetix is a database of ENU-induced mutations in the mouse genome and their phenotypes, immunological and otherwise.
Recent Publications
Massively parallel exome sequencing: source of thousands of new mouse models, Open Biol, Aug 2012
Roles for Nfkbid, Zeb1, and Ruvbl2 in humoral immunity, PNAS, July 2012
New Genes
Atp7a – brown. ATPase, Cu++-transporting, alpha polypepitide.
Rhbdf2 (iRhom2) – sinecure. Rhomboid 5 homolog 2.
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