Marilyn B. Renfree

AlveolEye: Rapid and precise lung morphometry guided by computer vision

AlveolEye improves lung morphometry by using computer vision to rapidly and reproducibly calculate MLI and ASVD from H&E images, reducing variability and increasing precision across observers.

Getting a head start: Craniofacial heterochrony in marsupials involves dynamic changes to molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural crest development

This study investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of craniofacial heterochrony in marsupials, revealing unique neural crest behaviors that enable accelerated development.

Post-fertilization transcription initiation in an ancestral LTR retrotransposon drives lineage-specific genomic imprinting of ZDBF2

The paper shows that an ancestral LTR retrotransposon insertion in the common ancestor of Euarchontoglires drives lineage-specific genomic imprinting of ZDBF2 through post-fertilization transcription initiation.

AMHY and sex determination in egg-laying mammals

This study identifies AMHY as the primary male sex determination gene in monotremes by analyzing its expression and function during sexual differentiation.

Genome of the endangered eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) reveals signatures of historical decline and pelage color evolution.

The paper generates a chromosome-scale reference genome for the eastern quoll and identifies genomic signatures of historical decline and pelage color evolution.

Divergent patterns of meiotic double strand breaks and synapsis initiation dynamics suggest an evolutionary shift in the meiosis program between American and Australian marsupials

This study compares meiotic DSB and synapsis dynamics in American and Australian marsupials, revealing evolutionary shifts in meiotic programs.

The swan genome and transcriptome: its not all black and white

The paper generates the first chromosome-length annotated genomes and transcriptomes of black and mute swans, revealing immune system limitations and plumage-related genetic differences.

A cranio-incudo joint as the solution to early birth in marsupials and monotremes

The paper identifies the cranio-incudo joint as the mechanism allowing marsupials and monotremes to feed before their jaw joint forms.