Journal of Data Mining in Genomics & Proteomics

Laura A Cox

Biography

Dr. Cox has played a major role in the development of genetic and genomic tools and methods for NHP research. She was part of the team that constructed a baboon genetic linkage map that is the foundation of genetic variant localization for quantitative traits. Her research team is currently collaborating with Dr. Jeff Wall at UCSF to sequence 700 baboon genomes from the pedigreed colony. These methods and tools have been essential for molecular genetic and genomic studies in baboon for cardiovascular disease and other complex diseases. The majority of her studies have been conducted in phenotyped, genotyped, pedigreed baboons allowing targeted selection of discordant animals in order to analyze complex genetic traits. Combining animal selection with molecular genetic and genomic approaches, she identified a gene splice variant that directly impacts LDL cholesterol serum concentrations. The same class of splice variant was subsequently identified in humans. In more recent studies, her group has expanded this approach from single gene analyses to integrated gene/microRNA network analyses. This updated approach resulted in the identification of a network of candidate genes and microRNAs that underlie variation in serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. In addition, her research group, in collaboration with Dr. Peter Nathanielsz, studies genetic and epigenetic responses to the maternal environment to determine how the maternal environment influences adult risk of heart disease. Each genetic network and gene variant that is identified will provide potential therapeutic targets for modulation of blood pressure and serum cholesterol.

Research Interest

 Genetics