Ken Dewar

My research interests straddle advanced DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics. I am interested in strategies for genome assembly and how to use bioinformatics to know that “we have got it right”, then using the assemblies as references to discern genetic variation and to annotate genetic processes. I firmly believe that genomics is not only transforming human biomedical research, but is revolutionizing research across the full breadth of life sciences. The ability to use core instrumentation and expertise throughout biology is underpinning new advances in the fields of research including, but not limited to human and animal medicine, food safety, environmental assessment, and biotechnology.

Genome Architecture: We have been sequencing dozens of bacterial genomes (2-6 Mb) and a growing number of fungal genomes (20-40 Mb). We are also collaborating with colleagues at the Washington University Genome Center (Drs. W. Warren, G. Weinstock, and E. Mardis) and UCLA (Dr. N. Freimer) on the genome sequencing of the vervet monkey genome, an ambitious project to sequence >120 individuals, including representatives of the major African subspecies.

Comparative Genomics: Our laboratory has led or participated in projects to identify large scale rearrangements in the vervet monkey genome, to assess genetic diversity in pathogenic Clostridium difficile, to decrypt a secondary form of gene transcription in Ciona intestinalis, to identify mutations for laboratory induced antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and to identify mutations affecting beta-cell generation and its role in diabetes. In many cases, these have been recognized as community resource projects and we have followed early data release guidelines.