University of Chicago · GeneticsThe Adaptation Lab
David Pincus · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
The research lab led by David Pincus at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding how cells adapt to changes in their environment over time. By studying various cellular responses, including how cells manage stress and alter their gene expression, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to new therapies for diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The research integrates molecular biology, genetics, and data science to develop predictive models of cellular behavior.
cellular adaptationgeneticsstress responseCRISPRtranscriptomicsbiomolecular condensatescancerneurodegenerationevolutiondisease intervention
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of stress-induced biomolecular condensates in cellular adaptation.
AIM 02Examine how cells prioritize responses to environmental stressors at the transcriptomic level.
AIM 03Explore the relationship between physiological adaptation and evolutionary processes in cells.
AIM 04Identify phenotypic capacitors that enable long-term genetic diversity and adaptation.
AIM 05Develop a comprehensive framework to connect adaptive processes across different timescales.
Skills the Lab Values
CRISPRi screeningsingle-cell transcriptomicscell culturedata analysisbioinformaticsmolecular cloningflow cytometryphenotypic screeningyeast model systemsproteomics
Output against the department
Publications89bottom 26% of dept.190th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.3kbottom 29% of dept.183rd of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.