The fruit fly embryo is an excellent model for development, allowing one to combine powerful genetic techniques with molecular approaches. We have developed Drosophila model systems of cell adhesion and transcriptional regulation. Cell adhesion is critical to normal development.
Cadherin function is disrupted both during cancer metastasis and in certain autoimmune diseases.
We are exploring the properties of Armadillo protein, are identifying other components of adhesive junctions in Drosophila and are using genetic and biochemical approaches to examine junctional function. We are also interested in how transcription factors regulate developmental decisions. Drosophila TCF and Groucho interact to repress Wingless signaling activity. Nature 395, 604-608. The roles of Armadillo, a Drosophila catenin, during central nervous system development.