College of Medicine
Cohn Laboratory
Led by Martin Cohn · Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
What we study
The Cohn Lab studies how the external genitalia, limbs, and skeleton of vertebrates develop and evolve. They use embryonic experiments and molecular analyses to identify the genes and signals that shape these structures.
What working here is like
- Wet lab
- Mice
- Wild animals
- Projects
- 5
- Papers
- 5
Current projects
Molecular development of chondrichthyan claspers and the evolution of copulatory organs
Studies how claspers, the male reproductive organs of sharks and relatives, develop in embryos and how copulatory organs evolved.
Embryonic origin and compartmental organization of the external genitalia
Maps early embryonic regions that give rise to genital structures.
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Development of the hemipenes in the ball python snake Python regius
Studies how the hemipenes, paired male copulatory organs, develop in the ball python.
Phallus development in the turtle Trachemys scripta
Studies how the male copulatory organ forms in embryos of the turtle Trachemys scripta, using embryo experiments and molecular analysis.
Morphogenesis and patterning of the phallus and cloaca in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
Analyzes how the shape and patterning of the phallus and cloaca develop in American alligator embryos.
Summaries are written by AI in plain language from public symposium abstracts and may be imperfect.
Recent papers, explained
- The Cloacal Interest Group: From clinical observation to translational science
2026 · Journal of Pediatric Urology
- Endoderm differentiates into a transient epidermis in the mouse perineum
2025 · Developmental Dynamics
Shows that gut cells become skin cells in mouse perineum.
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- Domestic cat embryos reveal unique transcriptomes of developing incisor, canine, and premolar teeth
2022 · Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution
Compares genes in cat teeth to study tooth development.
- Transcription Factors YAP/TAZ and SRF Cooperate To Specify Renal Myofibroblasts in the Developing Mouse Kidney
2022 · Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
Finds that two genes control kidney cell growth.
- Convergent developmental patterns underlie the repeated evolution of adhesive toe pads among lizards
2021 · Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
Studies how toe pad development varies in lizards.
Plain-language summaries are AI-written and reviewed by us; check the paper for details.
How to reach out
Martin Cohn hasn't set up this page yet. Their UF Scholars profile lists their publications.