Launched in 1995, the Developmental Biology program focuses on
mechanisms of genetic fate in early human development. This team
examines pattern formation, the process by which cells organize to form
structures that develop into a normal body. Scientists are examining
several key aspects of signal transduction, the method by which protein
signals outside a cell cause changes in gene expression inside the cell
nucleus. These signals are critical to normal development. Studying
them allows scientists to uncover and understand the disturbance and
disruptions in genes during development that may cause birth defects,
cancer, and other childhood diseases.
 |
Human brain tumor cells stained for the transcription
factor GLI1 (green) and DNA (red). GLI1 co-localizes with the
mitotic spindle. |
The Developmental Biology
team has made important advances in basic research on the GLI gene.
Indeed, the early work conducted by CMRC researchers has helped
scientists worldwide understand that GLI functions as a transcription
factor, turning other genes on and off, and that mistakes in GLI cause
disorders ranging from severe birth defects to childhood cancers.
Research results describing the role of GLI deficiencies in human
disease were recently published in the American Journal of Human
Genetics and work on the role of GLI1 in the development of brain
tumors continues.
The addition of five talented investigators to this program promises
to accelerate the discovery of underlying causes of childhood diseases.
For example, one of the new researchers, Sara Ahlgren, PhD, is
examining the interactions between genes and the environment in causing
certain kinds of birth defects of the head and face. These studies may
ultimately lead to new treatments or prevention of craniofacial defects.
Research Goals
The
Developmental Biology Program is devoted to understanding the genetic
mechanisms that underlie pattern formation and cell fate specification
during development. The areas of particular interest include signal
transduction pathways, transcription factor networks, and morphogenetic
movements. We utilize a variety of model systems, including newt,
chick, zebrafish, mouse and rat. Embryo manipulation, imaging
(including live cell imaging with multiphoton laser scanning
microscopy), gene expression profiling, genomics, in situ hybridization
and many other tools are applied to experiments that range from limb
regeneration to genetic manipulation to cloning in pursuit of new
knowledge.
News
Dr. Walterhouse's research
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