Research projects

Roles of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in eye development

We use Drosophila containing activated and loss of function forms of EGFR to examine its functions during eye development.

Transcriptional targets of EGFR signaling

We have used microarrays and qPCR to identify transcriptional targets of EGFR signaling in the Drosophila retina. Gene that we've identified include both known targets (e.g. pointed) and unknown genes whose functions we're only now exploring.

 Catnap, a protein transcribed in response to EGFR activation

One of the transcriptional targets of EGFR activation we identified is a small, calcium-binding protein we've named Catnap (Ca-activated tubulin associated protein). Catnap localizes to the mitotic spindle and influences spindle assembly and stability. Interestingly, the human ortholog of Catnap, Calcyphosine, is expressed at high levels in various cancers. We're currently researching the roles of Catnap, Calcyphosine, and associated proteins in influencing mitosis.