معرفی
Corbin Jones is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), School of Medicine. He serves as Faculty Director of the UNC High-Throughput Sequencing Facility and is affiliated with the Carolina Center for Genome Sciences (CCGS). His academic roles include dual appointments in Biology and Genetics, and he contributes to graduate programs in Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Biomedical Engineering (BCB).
Dr. Jones' research focuses on evolutionary genetics, particularly using Drosophila species to study adaptive traits. Key projects include analyzing Drosophila sechellia’s genetic resistance and attraction to Morinda citrifolia, investigating mechanisms of new gene formation through chimeric gene studies, and developing statistical tools for QTL mapping accuracy. His lab integrates computational methods, molecular genetics, and genomic data to explore how genetic changes—both regulatory and structural—drive evolutionary adaptations. Collaborations with Dr. Sally Otto and Dr. Philip Awadalla highlight his contributions to theoretical and applied genomics.
His work extends to translational research, including studies on human disease genetics (e.g., schizophrenia, lupus) and microbiome assembly dynamics. Recent publications reflect diverse applications of his expertise in virology (SARS-CoV-2 treatment efficacy), cancer biology (evolutionary rescue models), and AI-driven clinical data analysis. Funding for his lab comes from the NSF and NIH, supporting projects that bridge basic and applied sciences.
- Grants: NSF and NIH-funded research on genomic evolution and disease mechanisms
- Lab Affiliations: Corbin Jones Lab in the Genome Sciences Building, UNC High-Throughput Sequencing Facility
- Tools Developed: QTL-based estimator method for genetic mapping, computational pipelines for genomic data analysis
Notable research themes include the molecular basis of behavioral adaptations in Drosophila, the role of chimeric genes in evolutionary innovation, and statistical improvements in detecting quantitative trait loci. His studies on D. sechellia’s olfactory-driven behavior reveal insights into gene function beyond mere sensory detection, emphasizing behavioral genetics.
