This research includes two projects to study the influence of chromosome structure on chromosome behavior and gene expression in Drosophila. The first project focuses on the pal and K81 proteins which are required to stably maintain paternal chromosomes during embryogenesis. To analyze their mechanism of action, their subcellular localization is being followed during spermatogenesis and embryogenesis, using hybrid proteins generated by fusions with the fluorescent GFP marker. Methods to mark sperm DNA will be developed to track paternal chromosome behavior in K81 mutant backgrounds. For the second project, the organization of a large chromosomal domain is being studied through the structural analysis of a genetically well characterized region of heterochromatin. Molecular mapping and selected cloning of sequences within this heterochromatic region should allow specific DNA sequences to be correlated with the functional properties of heterochromatin. Interactive activities include: teaching a graduate course, informal interactions with faculty and students, and organizing a workshop for graduate students and postdocs that focus on issues that affect their training and career choices. The workshops are intended to stimulated productive discussions and offer practical solutions to problems young scientists may encounter at different stages of their careers.
