Boston College · BiologyApicomplexan Biology and Cell Division Lab
Marc-Jan Gubbels · Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Marc-Jan Gubbels' lab focuses on understanding how certain parasites, like those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis, divide and replicate within host cells. They explore the diverse mechanisms of cell division in these parasites using cutting-edge techniques, including single-cell sequencing. The goal is to not only uncover the complexities behind apicomplexan biology but also to aid in developing new treatments for these significant human health threats.
ApicomplexaCell divisionSingle-cell sequencingPlasmodium falciparumToxoplasma gondiiGene regulatory networksComparative systems biology
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the different modes of cell division in apicomplexan parasites.
AIM 02Generate single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic maps for various parasites.
AIM 03Identify and validate key regulators in the cell division pathways.
AIM 04Develop gene regulatory networks to understand regulatory flexibility.
AIM 05Create searchable databases for community use in parasite biology research.
Skills the Lab Values
Single-cell RNA sequencingGenetic perturbation experimentsData analysis using computational toolsCell culture techniquesGene knock-downChromatin accessibility assaysBioinformaticsLarge dataset managementCell cycle analysisInterpreting gene expression profiles
Output against the department
Publications108bottom 37% of dept.643rd of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.2kbottom 45% of dept.573rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.