Division of Functional Genetics

RICE is a collective of research groups based at The Roslin Institute using the chicken embryo as an experimental system to study embryonic growth and development.

The Burdon lab explores the mechanisms that govern growth and differentiation in embryo‑derived pluripotent stem cells, advancing our understanding of key livestock species such as pigs,cattle and sheep.

The Rainger lab aims to improve our basic understanding of developmental processes of tissues in normal and disease states, and to support translational interventions in human and animal health. Our group’s research is focused on (i) understanding the genetic, molecular, and cell-behavioural aspects that underpin fusion of epithelial tissues in major organs, and (ii) applying a one-health approach to broader biomedical disease modelling of the visual system.

The MacRae lab group undertakes research in bone formation and vascular calcification, with an emphasis on the metabolic pathways that underpin these processes. We examine the mechanisms of differentiation and calcification in osteoblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, and valvular interstitial cells.

The Glover lab group's research is focused on understanding how tissues become patterned during embryonic development by investigating the interplay between molecular signals and mechanical forces that shape embryonic tissue organization.

The Headon lab group's research is focused on understanding the developmental and genetic basis of variation in hair, feathers, and associated skin structures.

The Farquharson lab group's research is focused on the identification of the cell, molecular, and endocrine mechanisms that regulate bone formation, remodelling, and mineralisation in health and disease.

Dr Stephen’s research is focused on understanding how tissues mineralise, using fluorescent markers in bones and scales to track and understand mineralisation on the subcellular scale.

Division of Functional Genetics staff