The secreted molecule encoded by hedgehog (hh) plays a central role in patterning the developing Drosophila epithelium. Genetic screens have identified a number of genes now shown to comprise the Hh signaling pathway. Subsequent studies in vertebrates have demonstrated that the Hh pathway is conserved. Moreover, defects in the Hh signaling pathway have been shown to correlate with the onset of cancer in humans. Large-scale genetic screens in the Perrirnon lab have identified a number of new genes with segment polarity phenotypes. I have begun to analyze one of these genes called 7F21. My preliminary results suggest that 7F21 is required for Hh signal transduction. The experiments in this proposal are designed to fully characterize 7F21 by phenotypic and molecular criteria. Further, I describe a unique genetic screen designed to identify new Hh target genes that directly regulate cell adhesion. The goal of this proposal is to identify and characterize new molecules involved in epithelial patterning and in the pathogenesis of human cancers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32HD041808-01
Application #
6445245
Study Section
Biological Sciences 2 (BIOL)
Program Officer
Moody, Sally Ann
Project Start
2002-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-03-01
Budget End
2003-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$44,212
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115