Our Group

Douglas Allan | Professor

Dept. Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

Post-doc Stefan Thor Lab. Harvard Medical School (2000-04) | Tom Schwarz Lab. Harvard Medical School (2004-05) | Ph.D. University of Alberta (1994-2000) | M.Sc. Aberdeen University (1992-93) | B.Sc. (Hons): Aberdeen University (1988-1992)

Phone: 778-235-3555

Email: doug.allan@ubc.ca

Post-doc University of Freiburg, Germany (2006-2011) | Ph.D. University of Basel, Switzerland (2002-2006)
My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that govern motor neuron development. This entails integrating computational predictions of genomic regulatory elements with a range of analytical techniques in vivo. I utilize diverse models, including the fruit fly brain, the chick spinal cord, and immortalized mammalian cell lines, to investigate genes that play roles in synaptic function and development. Prior to my current position with the Allan group in Vancouver, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dr. Giorgos Pyrowolakis's laboratory in Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany, and received my PhD from Basel, Switzerland, where I was supervised by Dr. Walter Gehring.

PhD. University of Barcelona, Spain (2009-2015) | M.Sc. University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (2008-2009) | B.S.Chem, University of Barcelona, Spain (2005-2007) | B.Pharm. University of Barcelona, Spain (2000-2005)
Interested in human diseases and treatments from a young age, I stumbled into the molecular biology field during my MSc thesis project at the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona. I continued my studies there, completing a PhD focused on the identification of novel centromeric proteins and their contribution to chromosome segregation and nuclear envelope reassembly after mitosis.
I joined as a Postdoctoral fellowship in 2020. My research is focused on Drosophila functional studies of human genetic variants related to human genetic disorders like Weaver syndrome, Cohen-Gibson syndrome, and Autism.
When not in the lab, I am most likely active with two kids, swimming, exploring new restaurants, relaxing with a cup of coffee, or sharing experiences with friends.

M.Sc. Biotechnology from University of Minnesota (USA) | B.Sc. in Biochemistry from China.
I became a member of the Allan lab in 2022. My responsibilities involve utilizing and developing a variety of molecular and genetic tools for various ongoing projects, focusing on the study of human gene variants and the genetic regulation in neurological diseases. I also assist in the daily operations of the lab.

Graduate Students

| The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program |
- CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Award (2019 – 2020)
- UBC CELL 1YF (2019 – 2021)
- Andrew Nord Fellowships in Rheumatology (2021 – 2023)
- B. Sc. UBC (2012 – 2018)
- B. Mus. UBC (2012 - 2018)
My project investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying BMP-activated chondrogenesis, or cartilage development. Using Next Generation Sequencing techniques, I aim to uncover target genes of BMP during this process and determine how BMPs cooperate with other known regulators of chondrogenesis such as Sox9.
Outside of the lab, I'm a semi-professional musician active in Vancouver's jazz scene.

| The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program |
- 2023 UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
- 2023 Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health Trainee Endowment Awards
- M.Sc. Cell and Molecular biology, Shiraz University (2015-2018)
- B.Sc. Cell and Molecular biology, Shiraz University (2011-2015)
My research focuses on characterizing and finding the role of BMP signaling target genes, especially the Ly6 family of proteins, in the development of Drosophila neuromuscular junction.
Fun fact about me: I have a deep interest in theatre. In my free time, I read plays or work on theatre performances with my friends.

| The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program |
- 2023 UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
- M.Sc. Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran (2014-2017 )
- B.Sc. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran (2010-2013)
- AS. Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Iran (2007-2009)
My current research focuses on studying the gene regulatory networks orchestrated by retrograde BMP signaling in synaptic maturation, transmission, and homeostatic plasticity. Originally from Iran, I completed a BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. I then earned a MSc of Medical Biotechnology at the Guilan University of Medical Sciences, collaborating with the Rheumatology Research Center, Iran, where my thesis centred on copy number variations of a causative gene, BMP8A.
The favourite part of my research is the excitement of testing hypotheses in tiny Drosophila who makes giant strides in the behavior of transcriptional regulatory networks.
I enjoy many things. My favourite hobbies, are taking walks in nature, in the sun; travelling in mountains; drawing; doing a little exercise and sports, Table tennis, Table football and Soccer.
Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn | sarabiot@student.ubc.ca

| The Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program |
MSc, Banaras Hindu University, India (2017-2019) | BSc, University of Calcutta, India (2014-2017)
My work includes establishing how EEF1A2 and DNMT3A mutations contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, I'll assess the function of various missense variants of these genes identified in ASD patients. Then, I'll explore how these ASD-related variants impact neuron development, morphology, and function. For my investigations, I will heavily utilize Drosophila as a model system.
Besides lab, in my free times, I like making paintings, play video games also hangout with friends and explore new places, especially places with good food.

| Medical Genetics in collaboration with the Gibson Lab |
B. SC (Hons) Zoology, University of Bangor, Wales (2019 - 2022)
My project aims to understand the clinical significance of RBBP4 variants found in patients with global developmental delay and severe language delay. Additionally, I aim to uncover how these variants might interact with reader/writer complexes to cause the described phenotypes and build an RBBP4 allelic series that can help reclassify variants of unknown significance in gnomAD database.
Fun Fact: I can do a pretty good R2D2 impression.

Undergraduate Students

| B.Sc. Integrated Sciences |
I am in my 5th year of undergrad at UBC, focusing on studying genetics and microbiology. The topics in science that interest me are genetic disorders, human diseases, and epigenetics. In this lab I am working on building assays for the Austim genes CTNNB1 and STXBP1 to classify the clinical significance of variants found in these genes.
Fun fact: I play guitar and like to go bouldering in my free time

| B.Sc. Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences
Co-op Student in the lab 2022-2023
I just completed my third year of undergraduate study here at UBC. I have always been fascinated by research with relevant clinical application, so am thrilled to be working in the Allan lab on the SFARI project. I have lived in Vancouver, BC my entire life so enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking and skiing, I am also on the Men’s Tennis Team here at UBC and enjoy playing many sports outside of tennis.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT | B.Sc. Applied Animal Biology
I'm working on a project focused on determining the function of specific missense variants found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I'm using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to develop assays to interpret the functional consequences of the tested specific gene variants. Specifically, I am testing variants for the human genes BRAF and PTPN11 found in individuals with ASD. I also love doing puzzles and have competed with my mom in a speed puzzle competition.

| B.Sc. Cell and Developmental Biology |
Undergraduate directed studies student working on the SFARI project.
Fun fact: Enjoys participating in competitive boxing.

| B.Sc. Biochemistry |
I am a 4th-year student at UBC, majoring in Biochemistry, and I am interested in gene regulation with human diseases and signalling pathways with medicine designing. Now I work as a work-learn student to help perform techniques and learn from Robin and Sonia.
Fun fact: I like to play mobile gaming, cooking, singing/dancing with K-pop, and I hope in the future I could have many pets accompanying with me.

| B.Sc. Integrated Sciences |
Involved in Imaris imaging of neuromuscular junctions and data analysis.
At one point I could speak 4 languages, now it's only 2. I am currently learning an ancient language to read some older texts.