The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The process of vertebrate lens induction. Our research efforts are aimed at understanding processes which lead to the determination of cell fate during embryogenesis. In particular, this work examines the role of cell-cell or inductive interactions, one of the most important modes of cell determination in vertebrate embryos. The developing lens represents a model system for studying this process. While the cell/tissue interactions involved in lens formation have been well characterized, little is known of the molecular events responsible for lens formation. We have identified genes that are involved in lens cell determination in the frog, Xenopus. Using novel approaches, we are examining changes in gene expression which are associated with the process of lens development. In vivo functional assays are being carried out to examine the role of these transcripts.

We are also interested in identifying inducer substances which control lens development. Recent studies have shown that growth factors may be active in the processes of mesoderm and neural induction. Using a novel tissue culture system, we are searching for upstream regulators of lens crystallin expression and the signaling molecules that induce lens formation. The combination of molecular level studies, together with those involving tissue culture and transplantation, provide a powerful means to understanding the process of vertebrate lens formation, and those of embryonic cell determination, in general.

Developmental basis for evolutionary change. My lab is also interested in the role that developmental change leads to evolutionary change. We are examining groups of related invertebrate phyla which exhibit common developmental features. Studies are being carried out to compare their embryonic cell lineages and the mechanisms employed in cell and axis specification. The molecular control of cell determination and embryonic axis formation is also being examined in these groups, Together with modern molecular phylogeny data obtained by other labs, we are deciphering evolutionary change in developmental processes that lead to the construction of diverse larval and adult body plans.