Research
Research
The Planchart Lab investigates how environmental signals alter developmental programs and gene regulation, and how those molecular changes shape physiology, nervous system function, and disease risk across the life course.
We use zebrafish and other integrative model systems to connect environmental exposure with phenotype through developmental, molecular, and systems-level approaches.
Environmental Regulation of Development
Development is highly responsive to environmental conditions. We study how toxicants, nutrients, and other external signals perturb developmental timing, tissue formation, organogenesis, and long-term biological outcomes.
Our goal is to identify the molecular mechanisms by which environmental exposures reshape normal developmental trajectories.
Neurotoxicology and Nervous System Function
The nervous system is particularly vulnerable during development. We investigate how environmental stressors alter neural development, sensory systems, behavior, and persistent neurological function.
Current interests include mechanisms linking exposure to altered neurodevelopmental outcomes and disease-relevant phenotypes.
Gene Regulation and Molecular Mechanism
We study how environmental exposures influence transcriptional networks, epigenetic states, signaling pathways, and cellular responses.
By integrating mechanistic biology with high-dimensional datasets, we seek to move from correlation to causation.
Genomics, Proteomics, and Systems Biology
Modern environmental biology requires systems-level approaches. The lab uses transcriptomics, proteomics, network analysis, and computational workflows to identify pathways disrupted by exposure and to generate mechanistic hypotheses for experimental testing.
Experimental Platforms
We use a combination of:
- Zebrafish developmental models
- Gene editing approaches
- Microscopy and phenotyping
- Toxicological exposure paradigms
- Transcriptomics and proteomics
- Bioinformatics and network analysis
Opportunities for Trainees
Students interested in developmental biology, toxicology, genomics, bioinformatics, or environmental health are encouraged to contact the lab.
We value curiosity, rigor, intellectual honesty, and collaborative scientific thinking.