Douglas Chalker

Douglas Chalker is a Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms governing genome reorganization in Tetrahymena thermophila, a ciliated protozoan with a unique developmental process involving the elimination of ~15 megabases of germline DNA during nuclear differentiation.

Research Interests: The Chalker Lab investigates how RNA interference (RNAi)-related pathways regulate chromatin modifications and DNA excision events in Tetrahymena. Key areas include RNA-mediated communication between parental and developing genomes, heterochromatin formation, and the selective recognition of DNA segments for elimination. These studies provide insights into fundamental mechanisms of chromosome structure and genetic stability in eukaryotes.

Recent Publications highlight the lab's work on scan RNAs, chromatin domain proteins, and nuclear transport systems, spanning fields like Epigenetics, Genetics, and RNA Biology. The lab employs genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches to dissect the coordination of DNA rearrangements during somatic nucleus development.

Education Initiatives: Professor Chalker has spearheaded programs to expand hands-on science education in K-12 classrooms using Tetrahymena as a teaching tool, emphasizing experimental design and genomic research methods.

Contact: Email dchalker@wustl.edu or visit his lab at Washington University in St. Louis.