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Grace Boekhoff-Falk
(formally Grace Panganiban)
Associate Professor
Department of Anatomy
264B Bardeen, 1300 University Ave.
Office Phone: 608/262-1609
Lab Phone: 608/262-9550
Fax: 608/262-7306
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boekhofffalk@facstaff.wisc.edu |
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Research Description
Limb and nervous system development and evolution
The Grace Boekhoff-Falk (Grace Panganiban) laboratory studies the development and evolution of the nervous system and limbs. Our goals are to understand from what types of structures limbs and neural structures may have arisen during evolution and how their developmental genetic programs can be varied to modify both morphology and function.
Our efforts are focused on the Distal-less (Dll) homeodomain transcription factor. Dll is required for the formation of insect limbs and a variety of peripheral sensory organs. It also is expressed in specific parts of the developing brain. The distinct roles of Dll are likely to be mediated via distinct suites of target genes and to require tissue specific interactions with different cofactors.
We are using genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to identify and investigate Dll interactions with cofactors and target genes. Because Dll homologs (the Dlx genes) are expressed in the developing appendages and nervous system of vertebrates, we anticipate that our studies will provide insights into vertebrate, as well as arthropod, development.
Recent Publications
Dong, P.D.S., J. Chu, and G. Panganiban (2000). Coexpression of the homeobox genes Distal-less and homothorax determines Drosophila antennal identity. Development 127:209-216.
Dong, P.D., Chu, J. and Panganiban, G. (2001) Proximodistal domain specification and interactions in developing Drosophila appendages. Development 128:2365-2372.
Chu, J., P.D.S. Dong and G. Panganiban (2002). Limb-type specific regulation of bric a brac contributes to morphological diversity. Development 129: 695-704.
P.D.S. Dong, J.S. Dicks and G. Panganiban (2002). Distal-less and homothorax regulate multiple targets to pattern the Drosophila antenna. Development 129, in press.
P.D.S. Dong, S. Todi, D. Eberl and G. Panganiban. A Drosophila model for Townes-Brocks syndrome: spalt/spalt-related mutants exhibit hearing, appendage and genital defects. Submitted.
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