My lab studies the evolution of vertebrates, primarily mammals, by using the techniques of molecular evolution.

Most recently my lab has been working on the lamin A gene in mammals. In humans, mutations in the gene are associated with certain skeletal muscular dystrophies, cardio- and lipidopathies and premature ageing syndromes like Progeria. We are asking the question does the lamin A gene demonstrate adaptive variation among mammalian orders? A recent poster presentation is available for viewing. To read the poster, please magnify to at least 200%.

My lab sequenced the first complete mtDNA sequence for a bat, the Neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the relationship between bats and other mammals as defined by complete mitochondrial genome data. Our data was analyzed with other complete mitochondrial genomes and strongly suggested that bats' position on the mammalian tree is at the base of the branch containing the ferungulates (Fig.1). 

For details, please see Pumo, et al, 1998. Our hypothesis is different from the previously widely accepted hypothesis that bats, primates, tree shrews, and culagos are each other's closest relatives.

We are now working on the mammalian lamin genes. These genes code for the proteins that form the interior supports for the nuclear envelope in animals. Also, mutations in the lamin A/C gene are associated with several human disorders including some types of muscular dystrophy and Progeria. Students interested in working on this project should contact me (dorothy.e.pumo@hofstra.edu) for additional information.

Master's essay: Rose Biancaniello is planning and essay on the evolutionary patterns in a gene family--but she is still trying to find an appropriate family to study. Michael Bielski is examining the possible role of BMP-4 in the formation of the bat wing.

Master's theses:  Susan Locurto is working on the lamin A gene. She and Sergio recently reconstructed the dog lamin A gene from exons 3-11 using sequences genomic sequencing project data. Sandra Beaudouin,  Clifton McPherson. Clifton and Sandi are working on the flying lemur mtDNA project.  

Undergraduate students: Sergio Guiteau is working (see Susan above) with the gene encoding Lamin A/C. Vincent Stracuzzi is also working on the lamin A/C gene. We are examining the variability in the gene structure among mammals. 

High school: