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Grace
Title: Associate Professor |
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Address: |
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Phone: (608) 262-1609 |
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Research Description:The Grace Boekhoff-Falk (formerly Grace Panganiban) laboratory studies the development and evolution of the nervous system and limbs. Our goals are to understand from what types of structures limbs and neural structures may have arisen during evolution and how their developmental genetic programs can be varied to modify both morphology and function.Our efforts are focused on the Distal-less (Dll) homeodomain transcription factor. Dll is required for the formation of insect limbs and a variety of peripheral sensory organs. It also is expressed in specific parts of the developing brain. The distinct roles of Dll are likely to be mediated via distinct suites of target genes and to require tissue specific interactions with different cofactors. We are using genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to identify and investigate Dll interactions with cofactors and target genes. Because Dll homologs (the Dlx genes) are expressed in the developing appendages and nervous system of vertebrates, we anticipate that our studies will provide insights into vertebrate, as well as arthropod, development. |
Recent Publications:Dong, P.D.S., Chu J, and Panganiban, G. (2001) Proximodistal domain
specification and interactions in developing Drosophila appendages.
Development 128:2365-2372. |