Dr. Smith-Raska’s research is focused on the molecular and cellular processes that regulate germ cell small RNA expression in response to environmental exposures, which has a significant influence on phenotypes and disease risk on descendants when inherited at the time of fertilization.  We have identified a small number of germ cell-specific genes that are potential regulators of small RNA-driven epigenetically inherited phenotypes, and we are currently examining how these genes regulate the dynamic expression of small RNAs in germ cells in response to various exposures.  We are also investigating the role of somatic cells in the regulation of small RNAs in male and female reproductive organs.