Ann Blakey
Professor of Biology
Education
University of Missouri – Columbia, Ph.D. Genetics Area Program (1993)
Texas A&M University – College Station, M.Sc. Genetics Area (1989)
Texas A&M University – College Station, B.Sc. Biochemistry (1983)
Prior Employment
United States Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetics Research Unit, Columbia, MO & Southern Plains Range Research Station, Woodward, OK - Research Geneticist
Research Interests
My general interests are in 3D genome structure, function, and interactions, including epigenetics/ chromosomal interactions; and bioinformatics studies of organisms that range from the whole organism level to the molecular level. In particular, I am interested in the 3D architecture of the nucleus and how it evolved and is evolving. The aspects of this work includes how major re-arrangements during meiosis can result in not only new phenotypes, but also in the formation of new species. I am also interested in sequence analysis of scaffold/ matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) of the genome and the role these play in the evolution of the genome – and how these relate back to genome re-arrangements.
Plant genetics/genomics – primarily directed towards the analysis of genome structure and evolution of agronomically and horticulturally important crops with applications in the Gramineae, Orchidaceae, and other species. Including bioinformatics analyses of transposons embedded in S/MARs associated sequences.
Mammalian genetics – population structures and dynamics, pedigree database development, and research analysis of genetic traits in relatively homogeneous populations of rare and critically endangered breeds of equids.
Human pedigree analyses – Analyses with applications to the genetic analyses of human genealogical databases.
Genetics instruction of university-level literature-based courses – development of high-impact courses that immerse undergraduates/ graduates in current literature through various pedagogical approaches.
Approaches
• Analyses on genomic and transcriptomic sequences to identify key genes associated with specific traits or functions.
• Characterization of changes in sequences through the development and use of genetic algorithms and comparative genome analysis software tools.
• Cytogenetic analyses of chromosomal aberrations
• Analyze data collections for patterns of inheritance in sub-population structures with limited heterozygosity.
• Database structures used for population genetic analyses.
• Pedagogical development for upper-division/ graduate courses
Publications
Book
Huang, S, Litt, M, and C.A. Blakey, co-editors. 2016. Epigenetic Gene Expression and Regulation. Elsevier/ Academic Press, New York.
Book Chapters
Blakey, C. Ann and Michael D. Litt. 2016. “Epigenetic gene expression - An Introduction.” In Epigenetic Gene Expression and Regulation. Huang, Litt, and Blakey eds. Elsevier/ Academic Press, New York.
Blakey, C. Ann and Michael D. Litt. 2016. “Histone Modifications - Models and Mechanisms.” In Epigenetic Gene Expression and Regulation. Huang, Litt, and Blakey eds. Elsevier/ Academic Press, New York.
Articles
Olson, C., and C.A. Blakey. 2018. “Genetic Testing and your Friesian – Extended Updates on Genetics and Disorders.” FHANA Website Article Database (pp. 10). Lexington, KY: The Friesian/ FHANA - The Friesian Horse Association of North America. URL: https://equis.dev/app/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/Genetic-Testing-and-Your-Friesians-OctoberNovember-2018.pdf
Olson, C., and C.A. Blakey. 2018. “Genetic Testing and your Friesian.” The Friesian/ FHANA The Friesian Horse Association of North America, Lexington, KY, (Oct/Nov ed., pp.49-54).
FHANA Health Committee [including C. Ann Blakey]. 2016. “The Healthy Friesian: Megaesophagus.” The Friesian/ FHANA, The Friesian Horse Association of North America, Lexington, KY, (Apr/May 2016 ed., pp. 46-49).
Monica Muehlhause-Horn and the FHANA Health Committee [including C. Ann Blakey]. 2015. “The Healthy Friesian: Keeping your cool when it soars past ninety!” The Friesian/ FHANA, The Friesian Horse Association of North America, (Jul/Aug 2015 ed., pgs 46-49).
Begum, M., J. Bagga, A. Blakey and S. Saha. 2014. Network motif identification and structure detection with graphical models. Network Biology 14(4): 155-169.
Blakey, C.A. 2012. Coat Color Genetic Analysis of the Kerry Bog Pony Foundation Stallions. Technical Report for the Irish Kerry Bog Pony Society, Ireland and the American Kerry Bog Pony.
