Steve Murray, Ph.D.
Professor and Senior Director, Genetic Resource Science
Dissects the genetic mechanisms of craniofacial development and dysmorphology, and develops new genetic tools and resources for the scientific community.
The research in my lab is focused on discovering the developmental mechanisms of morphogenesis and structural birth defects using both forward and reverse genetic approaches. We use innovative CRISPR/Cas9 modeling methods to rapidly investigate the function of novel human mutations associated with these conditions to aid in diagnosis and improve our understanding of disease mechanisms. We take advantage of large-scale mutagenesis programs to identify and study novel single gene knockout developmental phenotypes, and diverse mouse genetic backgrounds to explore the systems-level dynamics of embryonic morphogenesis.
My lab also builds large-scale resources for the broader scientific community including the Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Program (KOMP2), which is part of an international effort the create and phenotype a single gene knockout for every protein coding gene in the mammalian genome. For the JAX Center for Precision Genetics (JCPG), we use genome editing technology to engineer precise models of rare disease and, when feasible, explore genome editing strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Education and experience
Education
The Jackson Laboratory
Postdoctoral fellow
Adv: Dr. Thomas Gridley
2002-2006
Boston University School of Medicine
Ph.D., biochemistry
Adv: Z-X. Xiao
1996-2002
Carleton College
B.A., biology
1989-1993
Experience
Genetic Resource Science, The Jackson Laboratory
Senior research scientist; Director, KOMP model development
2014-present
University of Maine
Adjunct Assistant Professor
2012-present
Genetic Resource Science, The Jackson Laboratory
Research Scientist, GRS Scientific Development
2008-2014
Genetic Resource Science, The Jackson Laboratory
Associate research scientist
2007-2008
Boston University School of Medicine
Research Assistant
1994-1996
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Featured ArticleMarch 26, 2024Working to characterize the function of protein-coding genes in the mouse
Using KOMP2, JAX researchers have now generated and characterized more than 2,000 knockout mice, gaining important insights into mammalian genetics and potential health impacts. -
Press ReleaseDecember 19, 2023JAX's 2023 achievements
JAX is celebrating important research breakthroughs, new faculty and leadership appointments, and crucial advancements in legislation. -
Press ReleaseMay 03, 2022JAX announces 2022 recipients of the JAX Scholar awards
The Jackson Laboratory is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the JAX Postdoctoral Scholar award. Eric Bogenschutz, Jayna Mistry, and Kwondo Kim represent forward-thinking research, proven leadership, and engagement with the scientific community. -
Research HighlightJune 28, 2017What happens when you knock out a gene?
Precisely characterizing the resulting mouse strains is crucial for learning the functions and biological mechanisms of the genes.
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Research HighlightFebruary 29, 2024Mapping the precise orchestration of prenatal development
Researchers follow the transformation from fertilized egg to viable organism with unparalleled resolution. -
Research HighlightJune 02, 2023Bringing preclinical genome editing to the clinic
Supported by an NIH grant, Cat Lutz will lead a multi-institutional team to develop and validate new gene editing-based therapeutic approaches for four neurological conditions lacking effective treatments. -
Press ReleaseOctober 09, 2018Advancing therapeutic gene editing
NIH awards $3.5M to JAX under multi-institution Somatic Cell Genome Editing program. -
Research HighlightJune 27, 2017Unraveling the complex genetics behind congenital heart disease
A team that included JAX researchers Kevin Peterson, Ph.D., and Steve Murray, Ph.D., identified two new mutations implicated in hypoplastic left heart syndrome and described the first known animal models for the disease, providing new insights into its multigenic etiology.