The hallmark of embryonic development is complex genetic regulation of a single cell undergoing rapid growth, migration and differentiation into different cell types. Consequently, dysregulation of developmental program often leads to congenital diseases, tumor initiation and progression. The overarching goal of my research program is to use multiple experimental strategies including animal models, cellular, molecular, biochemical, imaging, organoid and omics approaches to understand genetic control of embryonic development that provide insight into the pathogenesis of tumorigenesis and congenital disorders for the development of therapeutic strategies. In this regard, we are interested in studying the genetic regulation of neural crest progenitors and their derivatives formation and how abnormal regulation of neural crest developmental program contributes to melanoma initiation, progression, and drug resistance. In addition, leveraging our expertise and knowledge, we have further expanded research interest in delineating the molecular mechanism of specific motor neuron degeneration caused by the loss of ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron protein in spinal muscular atrophy.