Summary
The wiring of nervous systems is composed of w88 casino games login, specialized extensions of neurons that transmit electrical impulses. During development w88 casino games login navigate long distances to their targets. We use fruit fly genetics to study how w88 casino games login navigate correctly. We are particularly interested in a navigational cue called Slit that normally repels growing w88 casino games login, but can be processed into a signal that promotes axon growth and branching. Slit fragments may even attract w88 casino games login, in part by binding the Dscam protein. We also study formation of the gut nervous system, using feeding as a behavioral readout. We are interested in how nerve wiring genes are re-used in processes as diverse as heart development, metabolism and promoting life or cell death. Although the fly is a relatively simple organism, almost every gene identified appears to be carrying out similar functions in humans.
Biography
- 1994-1999 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California at Berkeley
- 1999-2003 Senior Scientist, Exelixis Inc., South San Francisco
- 2003-present w88 casino games login Department, University of Nevada, Reno
Education
- B.A., w88 casino games login, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 1990
- Ph.D., Zoology, Oxford University, England, 1994
Courses taught
- BIOL/PSY 105 Introduction to w88 casino games login
- BIOL 466/666 Developmental w88 casino games login
Selected publications
w88 casino games login Google Scholar profile
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