Uri Frank

Prof Uri Frank
Professor in Biochemistry
Wellcome & SFI Investigator and EMBO Member
uri.frank@universityofgalway.ie
Frank Lab Website
Ábhair Spéise
- Bitheolaíocht Forbartha
- Gaschealla & Cillchumas
- Athghiniúint Fíocháin
Achoimre ar Thaighde
We study how cells make decisions during development and regeneration using molecular genetics, genomics, imaging, and functional studies. For our research, we use the cnidarian Hydractinia as a model system. This animal has quite unique biological features and can be manipulated with relative ease.
Hydractinia is a clonal and colonial animal. Embryos develop within three days into a swimming larva called planula. Upon metamorphosis, which takes 24 hours, they transform into the adult form called a polyp.
Polyps are sessile (we grow them on microscope glass slides). Upon metamorphosis, they start making genetic copies of themselves by asexual budding, forming a colony of genetically identical individuals (i.e. a clone).
Hydractinia possesses adult stem cells, known as i-cells. These cells are thought to contribute to all somatic lineages of the animal and to germ cells. i-cells are a major focus of our work.


We study how they make different cell types like neurons and gametes. i-cells can migrate in the tissues and are recruited to major injury sites where they contribute to regeneration.
Eochairfhocail
Gaschealla, Nideog, Comharthaíocht, Difreáil, Dídhifreáil, PLURIPOTENCY, iCealla, Hydractinia, Léarscáil Géine, Tosca Thras-scríofa, Athghiniúint.
Baill an Ghrúpa
- Dr Yasmine Lund-Ricard (PD)
- Rowan Mac Gabhann (PhD)
- Paris Weavers (PhD)
- Paula Hillenbrand (PhD)
- Cian Lawless (RA)
Croítheichníochtaí Taighde
- Láimhsiú Fíocháin
- Micreascópacht Fluaraiseach
- Bithfháisnéisíocht
Foilseacháin Roghnaithe
- CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockin in the hydroid Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus
- Randomly incorporated genomic 6mA delays zygotic transcription initiation in a cnidarian
- Pluripotent, germ cell competent adult stem cells underlie cnidarian regenerative ability and clonal growth
Foilseacháin is Déanaí
Nascanna Áisiúil
Téigh i dTeagmháil!
uri.frank@universityofgalway.ie