My laboratory is interested in developing bioinformatics programs and genomics (and molecular) tools for understanding genome architecture and expression. In particular, we are interested in characterizing gene structures, transcription factors and regulatory elements, sequence and structural variations, and, more importantly, regulatory mechanisms. Ultimately, we are interested in understanding how genome sequences and their organization (including various modifications) direct development and biological functions. Currently, we primarily use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Bioinformatics programs and genomics tools, however, are generally readily applicable in all organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Current research projects fall into two major categories: (1) Identification and characterization of novel genes, synteny blocks, functional elements, genome variations and genome rearrangements; (2) Transcriptional regulation of genes and gene batteries.