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Our lab applies tools from a variety of disciplines, particularly those of genetics, molecular biology, embryology and epidemiology to study birth defects and prematurity and its complications.
Current projects include strategies to identify and characterize genes involved in several inherited human disorders.
In one example, the Van der Woude syndrome, we have identified the gene (IRF6) in collaboration with Brian Schutte and are now applying this finding to study its role in facial development. Other genes under study in the lab include those involved in language development and the causes of myopia.
We have recently begun a large project to look at the gene and environmental causes of prematurity and its complications which currently affects 500,000 children a year in the US. We are using genome-wide strategies, including family linkage and association.
Many of our studies are carried out using large population and epidemiologic studies of children with craniofacial anomalies or preterm birth, particularly from the Philippines, Denmark, Argentina and Brazil, and we work in close collaboration with investigators in these countries. We are also involved in studies of the prevention and better treatment of children with birth defects. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab serve in leadership roles for these projects and have primary responsibility for project design and implementation. We are strongly committed to providing opportunities for students in the classroom, the laboratory and in fieldwork to develop their interests and expertise in the application of genetic tools to an understanding of human disease.
The Murray Lab is located on the University of Iowa campus in the Medical Laboratories building of the Carver College of Medicine.
Campus Address
2182 ML
Postal Address
Department of Pediatrics
University of Iowa
500 Newton Road
2182 ML
Iowa City, IA 52242
Main Office:
319-384-4464
Dr. Murray:
319-335-6897
Fax Number:
319-335-6970