Our laboratory studies the mechanisms
that govern pattern formation during
development of the fruit fly, Drosophila
melanogaster. Recent research focuses
on two areas: translational regulation
of maternal mRNAs during specification
of the embryonic body plan, and cell
cycle regulation during both embryonic
and imaginal disc development. Abdominal
segmentation is governed by the combined
activities of Nanos and Pumilio, which
block translation of hunchback mRNA.
In addition, we have found that translation
of nanos mRNA is essential for normal
development. Students participate in
all aspects of the research projects.
Current lab projects include: genetic
screens for factors involved in the
regulation of nanos mRNA; the role
of Nos and Pum in CycB mRNA regulation;
size regulation by NHL domain proteins;
mechanism of ORC1 degradation during
cell cycle progression.
