In one set of projects we are investigating the regulatory mechanisms that control tissue and stage-specific RNA splicing patterns, using the Ultrabithorax RNAs as a model. We are also using genetic, molecular, and cell biological approaches to study the control of morphogenetic movements and organ formation, focusing on the specification of regional morphology and cellular differentiation in the circulatory system and digestive tract. We are using the developing Drosophila embryo as a model system to learn more about the molecular basis of pattern formation. There are two major questions being addressed. My laboratory uses methods from genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and computer science to address problems in membrane traffic and organelle biogenesis in eukaryotic cells.
Current work is in two major areas.
Proper regulation of pH in endocytic compartments is crucial for normal membrane traffic. The acquisition of digital images by fluorescence microscopy has become a central tool in cell and developmental biology. It is frequently used to identify the organelle or subcellular structure in which a newly-identified protein is found or to determine whether the distribution pattern of a protein changes upon some experimental manipulation. Our group is applying pattern recognition and analysis methods to make the use of microscopy in these areas more automated and objective. The goal is to augment automated acquisition of fluorescence microscope images with automated interpretation of those images.