Courses:
Genetics
and Development (BIO 224), Cell and Molecular Biology Lab (214),
Scientific Communication (BIO 500) and Scientific Presentations (BIO
603).
Research
Interests: Genetic and Molecular Characterization of
Shape Remodeling during Development
Morphogenetic processes remodel the shape of an
embryo, generating the
complex forms and structures that characterize the mature organism.
Defects in morphogenesis give rise to birth defects such as spina
bifida. While the outcome of such morphogenetic defects is very
apparent, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of normal
morphogenesis remain unclear.
Work in my laboratory focuses on a key cellular
aspect of
morphogenesis, the generation of cell shape changes. Specifically, we
study the signal transduction molecule, RhoA. My research exploits the
powerful molecular and classical genetic techniques afforded by the
model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, (a.k.a. the fruit fly).
Because the molecules and cellular processes that direct morphogenesis
are so similar between fruit flies and mammals, these studies have
broad relevance. Our investigations and characterizations of
morphogenesis are important steps in understanding how to overcome
birthdefects.
Selected
Publications:
*undergraduate co-author
Bayer, C.A., Halsell, S.R., Fristrom, J.W.,
Kiehart, D.P. and L. von Kalm. (2003) Genetic interactions
between the RhoA and Stubble-stubbloid loci suggest a
role for a type II transmembrane serine protease in intracellular
signaling during Drosophila imaginal disc morphogenesis. Genetics,
165:1417.
Halsell, S.R., Chu, B.* and D.P. Kiehart.
(2000) Genetic analysis demonstrates a direct link between Rho
signaling and nonmuscle myosin function during Drosophila
morphogenesis. Genetics. 155: 1253.
Halsell, S.R. and D.P. Kiehart. (1998)
Second-site noncomplementation identifies genomic regions required for
Drosophila nonmuscle myosin function during morphogenesis.
Genetics. 148:1845.
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