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Associate
Professor RESEARCH In my
laboratory we study the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular signals
are transduced into effects on the cytoskeleton, and the consequence that
these effects have on the development and function of neuronal cells in
culture. We are currently examining the mechanisms by which signals such as
membrane depolarization and substrate adhesivity modulate the polymerization
and configuration of microtubules in neuronal growth cones, and the way in
which these changes affect axonal and dendritic outgrowth. We use
quantitative microsopic and image analysis of fluorescent tubulin and of
fluorescent ion indicators to perform these studies in living cells, as they
cannot yet be reconstructed outside of the cell. Results obtained are
subsequently correlated with high resolution light and electron microscopic
structural studies, and may allow us to determine the detailed mechanisms by
which cell surface phenomena affect cell behavior. In addition to the above biological projects, I have a rather general interest and expertise in biological instrumentation. I served as a Program Director for Biological Instrumentation at the National Science Foundation from 1993-1994, and am currently involved in the development of a robotics system for the physical mapping of fungal genomes, and in the development of novel microscopic and image processing techniques for studying biological phenomena.
OF NOTE
REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS
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