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My lab's research is focused on sensory system development in Drosophila melanogaster . We study the mechanisms by which different cell fates are partitioned during development and how each cell type differentiates to help produce a functional organ for the peripheral nervous system.

Currently, work in the lab involves an investigation of the function of the transcription factor D-Pax2, a protein expressed in both photosensory and mechanosensory organs in Drosophila . The mammalian homologs of this protein are central to the proper development of eyes and ears. Projects include the identification of transcriptional targets of D-Pax2 in different tissues and an examination of the regulation of D-Pax2 expression during sensory organ development.

Recent Publications

Roegiers, F*, Kavaler, J*, Tolwinski, N*, Chou, Y. T*, Duan, H, Bejarano, F, Zitserman, D and Lai, EC. 2009. Frequent Unanticipated Alleles of lethal giant larvae in Drosophila Second Chromosome Stocks. Genetics 182:407. * co-first authors.

Lai, E, Bodner, R, Kavaler, J, Freschi, G, and Posakony, J. 2000. Antagonism of Notch signaling activity by members of a novel protein family encoded by the Bearded and Enhancer of split gene complexes. Development 127:291.

Kavaler, J, Fu, W, Noll, M, and Posakony, J. 1999. An essential role for the Drosophila Pax2 homologue in the differentiation of adult sensory organs. Development 126(10):2261.

Nguyen, K A, Mandik, L, Bui, A, Kavaler, J, Norvell, A, Monroe, J G, Roark, J H, Erikson, J. 1997. Characterization of anti-single-stranded DNA B cells in a non-autoimmune background. J Immunol 159(6):2633.