A5073221752- Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Studies
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Insect behavior and control techniques
- Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Culinary Culture and Tourism
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Cancer-related Molecular Pathways
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Plant Virus Research Studies
- Silk-based biomaterials and applications
- Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancer
- Plant Molecular Biology Research
Fox Chase Cancer Center
2010-2022
Cornell University
2021-2022
University of Pennsylvania
2011-2014
Although human bitter taste perception is hypothesized to be a dietary adaptation, little known about genetic signatures of selection and patterns variability in ethnically diverse populations with different diets, particularly from Africa. To better understand the basis evolutionary history sensitivity, we sequenced 2,975 bp region encompassing TAS2R38, receptor gene, 611 Africans 57 West Central East Africa subsistence patterns, as well comparative sample 132 non-Africans. We also examined...
Stem cells depend on signals from within their microenvironment, or niche, as well factors secreted by distant to regulate maintenance and function. Here we show that Boi, a Hedgehog (Hh)-binding protein, is novel suppressor of proliferation follicle stem (FSCs) in the Drosophila ovary. Hh expressed apical cells, FSC diffuses reach FSCs, where it promotes proliferation. We Boi exerts its suppressive effect binding sequestering cell surface, thereby inhibiting diffusion. Our studies...
AbstractTransposable elements (TE) can replicate and mobilize at the detriment of host genome they reside in; thus, are considered selfish or parasitic genetic elements. First discovered in Drosophila, gypsy retroelement was named reference to migratory history Romani people. This name later came denote an entire family wide-spread TEs related viruses. Here, we discuss why continued use “gypsy” this scientific context is insensitive perpetuates racial stereotypes. Further, outline a series...
A healthy diet improves adult stem cell function and delays diseases such as cancer, heart disease, neurodegeneration. Defining molecular mechanisms by which nutrients dictate behavior is a key step toward understanding the role of in tissue homeostasis. In this paper, we elucidate mechanism dietary cholesterol controls epithelial follicle (FSC) proliferation fly ovary. nutrient-restricted flies, transmembrane protein Boi sequesters Hedgehog (Hh) ligand at surface Hh-producing cells within...
Bitter taste perception influences human nutrition and health, the genetic variation underlying this trait may play a role in disease susceptibility. To better understand architecture patterns of phenotypic variability bitter perception, we sequenced 996 bp region, encompassing coding exon TAS2R16, receptor gene, 595 individuals from 74 African populations 94 non-Africans 11 populations. We also performed genotype–phenotype association analyses threshold levels sensitivity to salicin,...
Abstract In many tissues, the presence of stem cells is inferred by capacity tissue to maintain homeostasis and undergo repair after injury. Isolation self-renewing with ability generate full array within a given strongly supports this idea, but identification genetic manipulation individual their niche remain challenge. Here we present novel methods for marking genetically altering epithelial follicle (FSCs) Drosophila ovary. Using these new tools, define sequential multistep process that...
Germline stem cells (GSCs) are the progenitor of germline for lifetime an animal. In Drosophila, these reside in a cellular niche that is required both their maintenance (self-renewal) and differentiation (asymmetric division resulting daughter cell differs from GSC). The cell-daughter transition tightly regulated by number processes, including array proteins genome stability. stem-cell factor Stonewall (Stwl) associates with heterochromatin, but its molecular function poorly understood. We...
Background: Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a tightly regulated membrane-associated morphogen and known driver of tumorigenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). After processing, Shh remains at the plasma membrane producing cells, thereby limiting its distribution signal strength. In PDAC, release from tumor cells necessary to promote tumor-permissive microenvironment. Mechanisms regulating sequestration and/or distant stromal are not well known. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated...
Abstract Sex-lethal (Sxl) is the sex determination switch in Drosophila, and also plays a critical role germ-line stem cell daughter differentiation Drosophila melanogaster. Three female-sterile alleles at Sxl D. melanogaster were previously shown to genetically interact varying degrees with maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Given this genetic interaction W. pipientis’ ability manipulate reproduction we carried out careful study of both population genetics (within four...
Abstract Germline stem cells (GSCs) are the progenitor of germline for lifetime an animal. In Drosophila , these reside in a cellular niche that is required both their maintenance (self-renewal) and differentiation (asymmetric division resulting daughter cell differs from GSC). The cell-daughter transition tightly regulated by number processes, including array proteins genome stability. stem-cell factor Stonewall (Stwl) associates with heterochromatin, but its molecular function poorly...
Abstract Stem cells cycle between periods of quiescence and proliferation to promote healthy tissue aging. Once is initiated, mechanisms that control the balance self-renewal differentiation must be engaged ensure maintenance stem cell pools until next quiescent occurs. Here, we demonstrate dynamic axon-like projections extended by Follicle Cells (FSCs) in Drosophila ovary self-renewal-differentiation balance. Known axon growth regulators still life sickie are necessary sufficient for FSC...
Stem cells cycle between periods of quiescence and proliferation to promote tissue health. In Drosophila ovaries, transitions follicle stem (FSCs) are exquisitely feeding-dependent. Here, we demonstrate feeding-dependent induction cell differentiation markers, eyes absent (Eya) castor (Cas) in FSCs, a patterning process that does not depend on induction. Instead, FSCs extend micron-scale cytoplasmic projections dictate Eya-Cas patterning. We identify still life sickie as necessary sufficient...
Abstract Sex-lethal ( Sxl) is the sex determination switch in Drosophila , and also plays a critical role germ-line stem cell (GSC) daughter differentiation melanogaster . Three female-sterile alleles at Sxl were previously shown to genetically interact varying degrees with maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Given this genetic interaction W. pipientis’ ability manipulate reproduction we carried out careful study of both population genetics (within four species) molecular...