Welcome
We are interested in targets of the maternally deposited transcription factor, Dorsal, which is present in a nuclear gradient along the dorsoventral axis of embryos. Half the known Dorsal targets are transcription factors or signaling pathway components. Many of these genes are responsible for controlling the cell movements and differentiation events that occur during gastrulation. Our initial studies have focused on two new Dorsal target genes we uncovered using microarray analysis, the FGF-ligands Pyramus and Thisbe.
In the news
Caltech Researchers Revise Long-Held Theory of Fruit-Fly Development
Caltech Press Release (Dec. 17, 2009) by Lori Oliwenstein
First Prize in Celldance 2009 - The ASCB's Fifth Annual Cell Biology Video Contest
Professor Stathopoulos accepts the first place prize for the film "2PEF Imaging Captures Gastulation in Fly Embryos." Work by Amy McMahon, Willy Supatto, Scott E. Fraser, and Angelike Stathopoulos, Science (2008).
Development: Remembering Hedgehog
Nature Reviews Genetics 10, 740-741 (Nov. 2009) by Tanita Casci. The recent paper by Nahmad and Stathopoulos is highlighted in a short review paper.
Cells in developing tissue consider their signaling exposure history to determine location
Caltech Press Release (Sep. 29, 2009) by Kathy Svitil
Amy McMahon wins 2009 Drosophila Image Award
GSA (2009)
Embryonic Development: First Look At How Groups Of Cells Coordinate Their Movements
ScienceDaily (Dec. 23, 2008)
Complex dance of embryo cells filmed in new detail
New Scientist (Dec. 4, 2008) by Colin Barras