The focus of my interest is on the molecular organization and dynamics of the mammalian genome. My emphasis is on repetitive DNA sequences, inclusive of transposable elements, and the mechanisms associated with their evolution, chromosomal arrangement, and genetic anomalies (e.g. neurofibromatosis) caused by retroposition. I am also involved in the application of interspersed repetitive sequences as genetic tools in DNA profiles and phylogenetics.
Courses
BIO 255 Human Genetics
BIO 301 Genetics
BIO 315 Evolution
BIO 446 Genome Analysis
BIO 542 Molecular Genetics
BIO 546 Genome Analysis
Achievements
Recipient of the 2009 Ron Collins Distinguished Faculty Award for Scholarly/Creative Activity
Publications and Presentations
Kass D.H., Janousek V., Wang L., Tucker P.K. The uncharacterized gene 1700093K21Rik and flanking regions are correlated with reproductive isolation in the house mouse, Mus musculus. Mamm. Genome. In Press. DOI 10.1007/s00335-014-9506.
Kass D.H. A simple method of generating complex DNA profiles utilizing Alu-based markers with applications in forensics, paternity, genetic mapping, population studies, and ancestry. J. Forensic Res. 4:200–206, 2013. DOI:10.4172/2157-7145.1000200
Kass D.H., Schaetz B.A., Beitler L., Bonney K.M., Jamison N., and Wiesner C. Guinea pig ID-like families of SINEs. Gene. 436:23–29, 2009.
Katakowski J.A. and Kass D.H. Recent activity of the retrotransposable B2 element in hamsters and its use as a phylogenetic marker. Mich. Academician. 38:35–44, 2008.
Kass D.H., and Jamison N. Identification of an active ID-like group of SINEs in the mouse. Genomics 90:416–420, 2007.
Kass D.H., and LaRoe R. Web-based analysis for student-generated complex genetic profiles. Biochem. Mol. Biol. Education. 35:404–409, 2007.
Kass D.H. 2007. Simple and rapid generation of complex DNA profiles for the undergraduate laboratory. The American Biol. Teacher. 69:154–159.
Kass D.H., Jamison N., Mayberry M.M., and Tecle E. Identification of a unique Alu-based polymorphism and its use in human population studies. Gene. 390:146–152, 2007.
Tecle E., Zielinski L., and Kass D.H. Recent integrations of mammalian Hmg retropseudogenes. J. Genet. 85:179–185, 2006.
Knight A., Zhivotovsky L.A., Kass D.H., Litwin D.E., Green L.D., and White P.S. 2004. Ongoing controversy over Romanov remains. Response. Science 306:409–410.
Knight A., Zhivotovsky L.A., Kass D.H., Litwin D.E., Green L.D., White P.S., and Mountain J.L. 2004. Molecular, forensic and haplotypic inconsistencies regarding identity of the Ekaterinburg remains. Annals Human Biol. 31:129–138.
Kass D.H., Knight A., and Deininger P.L. 2004. Evolution of a hypervariable region of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene in humans and other hominoids. Genetica. 121:187–193.
Kass D.H. 2003. Generation of human DNA profiles by Alu-based multiplex PCR. Anal. Biochem. 321:146–149.
Kass D.H., and Batzer M.A. 2003. Pseudogenes, in Genetics (Encyclopedia). 2003. R. Robinson (ed). New York: Macmillan Reference USA, Vol. 3 pp. 209–213.
Kass D.H., and Batzer M.A. 2003. Transposable genetic elements, in Genetics (Encyclopedia). R. Robinson (ed). New York: Macmillan Reference USA, Vol. 4 pp. 143–148.
Kass D.H., and Doucet J.P. 2002. Molecular phylogeny of the Louisiana nutria. Proc. Louisiana Acad. Sci. 63:10–24.
Kass D.H. 2001. Impact of SINEs and LINEs on the mammalian genome. Current Genomics. 2:199–219.
Kass D.H., M.E. Raynor, and T.M Williams. 2000. Evolutionary history of B1 retroposons in the genus Mus. J. Mol. Evol. 51:256–264.