NEW CDB RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Department of Cell Biology & Morphogenesis Institute Recent Faculty Hires:
Noelle D. Dwyer
Jing Yu
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: University of California, San Francisco
Arrival at UVa: January 2007
Research Interests:
Patterning of brain architecture, cerebral cortex development
Genetics, axon guidance, neuronal proliferation and migration
Dr. Dwyer’s research focuses on understanding how the architecture and wiring of the brain are set up during development. Her lab is using a forward genetics approach to elucidate the molecular and cellular machinery that regulate neuronal proliferation and migration and the innervation of target organs. Genes affecting development of the cerebral cortex and other organs including eyes and kidneys have been identified by a random mutagenesis screen in mouse embryos. Mapping of the mutant genes is progressing toward completion, and the focus for the next few years will be on clarifying the mechanisms underlying the abnormal phenotypes.
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: Cornell University
Arrival at UVa: March 2007
Research Interests:
The kidney as a model for organogenesis
Dr. Yu's recent work includes a genetic analysis of functions of the ureteric bud epithelium signaling (Hedgehog and Wnt) in tissue growth/differentiation and organ regional patterning during murine kidney development; a Genome-scale expression screen of transcription factors in the embryonic kidney; and development of an inducible and reproducible shRNA expression system in mice.
Bernard V. Thisse
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg France
Christine I. Thisse
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg France
Arrival at UVa: August 2007
Research Interests:
Early patterning of the zebrafish embryo
The Thisses are internationally renowned for their work in embryonic research and genetics. They have jointly served as Director of Research for the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) and individually as group leaders in the Department of Developmental Biology at the Institute of Genetic Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) in Strasbourg, France. Christine is a member of the National Committee of the CNRS.
Their current research is mainly focusing on patterning and signaling at early developmental stages. The goal is to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the definition of cell identity and to study the cellular response in both gene expressions and cell behaviors resulting from the initial stimulation by morphogens.