Gunter Wagner, PhD

Evolution of gene regulation in endometrial stromal cells:
We study the gene regulatory network of endometrial stomal cells and how it evolved. In particular we are interested in the role of transposable elements in providing novel cis-regulatory elements and in the role of transcription factor protein changes to allow the regulation of novel target genes.

Evolution of human parturition and spontaneous decidualization (menstruation):
Humans and higher primates are distinct from most other mammals in that 1) the endometrium differentiates each reproductive cycle even in the absence of a conceptus, and 2) parturition is initiated without systemic progesterone withdrawal. Interestingly these two characteristics are taxonomically co-extensive, i.e. are only found in humans and higher primates. In my lab we try to understand the genetic changes underlying both phenomena. This research is in collaboration with the NIH Perinatology Research Branch at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.

Evolution of digit identity in birds:
The identity of the three definite digits in the bird wing is a longstanding problem in comparative anatomy. The problem is that these digits have the structure of digits 1, 2, and 3, but develop from embryonic positions 2, 3, and 4. In 1999 my colleague Jacques Gauthier and I proposed that this occurred because of a homeotic digit identity frameshift during the evolution of dinosaurs. Gene expression evidence supports this hypothesis and now we are working towards identifying the genetic changes which gave rise to the digit identity frame shift.