Cell Signaling in Development

My primary research interest is in the transduction of developmental signals for cell proliferation and differentiation, specifically focusing on the Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathway in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.  In mammals, the JAK pathway is known to transduce signals from such developmentally important molecules as cytokines and growth factors.  Homologues of JAK and other molecules in the pathway have been identified in flies.  My lab is using the extensive genetic and developmental tools available in flies to identify new molecules involved in JAK signaling, define the developmental roles of the pathway in flies, and examine where JAK signaling fits into other developmental pathways.