Jennifer Kennell

Assistant Professor of Biology

  • B.A. 1998 Biology, Luther College, Decorah, IA
  • Ph.D. 2005 Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Posdoctoral Fellow 2005 - 2008 Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan

Research Interests

All cells in an animal contain the same set of genes, yet each cell has unique characteristics based on how those genes are actually used. My research is fundamentally focused on answering questions about how gene expression is regulated in different cell types and tissues throughout animal development.  Most recently my research has focused on the role of microRNAs and cell signaling pathways in regulating gene expression during the development of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). 

Students are involved in all aspects of my research.  Current projects in my lab involve characterizing the regulation of Drosophila pigmentation by the microRNA, miR-8, and other genes.  MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that silence gene expression by binding to specific mRNAs and preventing translation or decreasing mRNA stability.  In addition, students in my lab conducted a genetic screen to identify regulators of the Wingless signaling pathway in flies.  Students will be involved in characterizing these novel regulators using genetic tools available in Drosophila, as well as cell culture based approaches.

Teaching Interests

Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Epigenetics

Courses taught:  BIOL 105 Genetically Modified Organisms, BIOL 106 Introduction to Biological Investigations, BIOL 238 Principles of Genetics, BIOL 323 Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology (Focus on Epigenetics) & STS 131 Genetic Engineering:  General Principles and Ethical Questions

Selected Publications

Asterix after name indicates Vassar student author

  • Kennell, J.A., Cadigan, K.M., Shakhmantsir, I.*, and Waldron, E.J.*  2012. The microRNA miR-8 is a positive regulator of pigmentation and eclosion in Drosophila.  Developmental Dynamics.  241: 161-168.  Link to paper.
  • Kennell, J.A. and Cadigan K.M. 2009. APC and β-catenin degradation. Chapter in APC Proteins, eds. Nathke I.S., McCartney B.M. Landis Bioscience, Austin. 1-12.  PubMed
  • Kennell, J.A., I. Gerin, O.A. MacDougald, K.M. Cadigan.  2008. The microRNA miR-8 is a conserved negative regulator of Wnt signaling. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.  105:  15417-15422. Link to paper.
  • Kennell, J.A. and O.A. MacDougald. 2005. Wnt signaling inhibits adipogenesis through β-catenin dependent and independent mechanisms. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 25: 24004-24010. Link to paper
  • Kennell, J.A., E.E. O’Leary, B.M. Gummow, G.D. Hammer, and O.A. MacDougald. 2003. T-Cell factor 4N (TCF-4N), a novel isoform of mouse TCF-4, synergizes with β-catenin to coactivate C/EBPα and Steroidogenic Factor 1 transcription factors. Molecular and Cellular Biology. 23: 5366-5375.  Link to paper
  • Longo K.A., J. A. Kennell, M.J. Ochocinska, S.E. Ross, W.S. Wright, and O.A. MacDougald. 2002. Wnt signaling protects 3T3-L1 preadipocytes from apoptosis through induction of insulin-like growth factors. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 277: 38239-38244.  Link to Paper
  • Douglas, K.R., M.L. Brinkmeier, J.A. Kennell, P. Eswara, T.A. Harrison, A.I. Patrianakos, B.S. Sprecher, M.A. Potok, R.H. Lyons Jr, O.A. MacDougald, and S.A. Camper. 2001. Identification of members of the Wnt signaling pathway in the embryonic pituitary gland. Mammalian Genome. 12: 843-851.  Link to paper