This research will demonstrate the developmental motoneuron death in vertebrates is a gene directed event. This will be pursued by determining if embryonic neurons, that are induced to undergo developmental death, express the gene, ced-4, which has been shown to regulate developmental neuronal death in an invertebrate. Molecular biology techniques will be used to clone a DNA fragment for ced-4, which will be used in hybridization assays both in vitro on spinal cord neurons induced to undergo cell death and in situ on histological sections of embryonic spinal cord to determine if ced-4 is expressed when embryonic neurons normally die. The significance of these studies derives from the demonstration that the motoneuron death is a gene directed event and the establishment of an assay with which to study the regulation of motoneuron death. Interactive activities include teaching a course entitled 'Seminars in Neurobiology' for senior undergraduates. The seminars will be open to all students on campus, and half of the participants will be established female scientists working in neurobiology. The course will consist of formal presentations by both a student and a senior scientist followed by an informal gathering. Dr. Weill will also give a research seminar and two lectures in the department's developmental neurobiology course. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
