At Pelegri Lab, we study the fundamental processes that shape life from its earliest stages, focusing on cellular and developmental genetics in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Our research explores how maternal factors stored in the egg drive embryonic development before and during the activation of the zygotic genome, and how these processes establish the body plan and determine the germ line. We are particularly interested in the functional diversification of cell types, with a primary emphasis on the germ line, and use an interdisciplinary toolkit that integrates genetics, advanced microscopy, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and modeling. A major focus is understanding how RNA and protein components of the germ plasm—a specialized cytoplasmic biocondensate—are inherited and how they regulate gene expression programs that specify germ cell fate.

 

In addition to developmental genetics, we investigate conservation genetics, developing advanced reproductive strategies to preserve animal biodiversity. Using members of the Danionin family of fish, which includes Danio, Devario, Microdevario, and Danionella, we explore inter-species reproductive approaches such as nucleocytoplasmic hybrids, germ plasm transfer, and chimeric techniques for gonad and gamete production. These innovative methods aim to enable the regeneration of individuals from endangered populations using hosts from closely related, non-endangered species. By advancing biobanking and reproductive technologies, we aim to contribute not only to developmental biology but also to the urgent global effort of preserving biodiversity.