Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
Full Title: Genetic conflicts during meiosis shape the rapid evolution of essential chromatin proteins
June 22, 2023 - Dr. Malik studies genetic conflict between genes and proteins with opposing functions that drives evolutionary change, with implications for a range of diseases. He also studies the evolutionary processes that drive our body’s interactions with viruses, including contemporary diseases as well as ancient viruses whose fossils litter our genome. With colleagues, he has characterized the rapidly evolving interface between proteins on human cells and viruses that make us sick. This work has highlighted surprising deviations from “textbook” models of these interactions, and it is revealing gene variants that could influence our susceptibility to infection.
About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Division of Intramural Research (DIR) Seminar Series: The NHGRI DIR Seminar Series sponsors a monthly series of talks by intramural and special guest speakers celebrating genetics and genomics research. Speakers are selected by NHGRI intramural faculty and trainees and cover research topics of interest to a wide audience.
Relevant Links:
DIR Seminar Series: genome.gov/dir/seminars
Harmit Malik (Fred Hutch): fredhutch.org/en/faculty-lab-directory/malik-harmit.html
Full Title: Genetic conflicts during meiosis shape the rapid evolution of essential chromatin proteins
June 22, 2023 - Dr. Malik studies genetic conflict between genes and proteins with opposing functions that drives evolutionary change, with implications for a range of diseases. He also studies the evolutionary processes that drive our body’s interactions with viruses, including contemporary diseases as well as ancient viruses whose fossils litter our genome. With colleagues, he has characterized the rapidly evolving interface between proteins on human cells and viruses that make us sick. This work has highlighted surprising deviations from “textbook” models of these interactions, and it is revealing gene variants that could influence our susceptibility to infection.
About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Division of Intramural Research (DIR) Seminar Series: The NHGRI DIR Seminar Series sponsors a monthly series of talks by intramural and special guest speakers celebrating genetics and genomics research. Speakers are selected by NHGRI intramural faculty and trainees and cover research topics of interest to a wide audience.
Relevant Links:
DIR Seminar Series: genome.gov/dir/seminars
Harmit Malik (Fred Hutch): fredhutch.org/en/faculty-lab-directory/malik-harmit.html
