Anthony De Tomaso

Research Overview

Research in Dr. Tomaso's lab is based around the phenomenon of self/non-self recognition (allorecognition) in a primitive chordate organism, Botryllus schlosseri. This allorecognition reaction links a number of disparate fields, including immunology, stem cell, developmental, and evolutionary biology, and also has ecological consequences. Several unique aspects of the Botryllus life history make it a novel, experimentally accessible model organism to ask pertinent questions in these distinct disciplines.