FAQ's
How do you use fruit flies in your research?
I genetically modify fruit flies so that I can observe the effects of mutations in essential proteins. I am specifically interested in actin, which is a structural component in cells that helps change cell shape.
Salivary gland cells with cell membranes marked with E-Cadherin
Salivary gland cells with actin marked with Phalloidin
Why fruit flies?
Fruit flies and humans are more than 60% genetically similar. It is relatively simple to create a mutation in a fruit fly's genome and observe the effects, and then be able to translate the importance of this information to humans.
How do you make your observations of the mutations?
I use programs like LasX, ImageJ, and Imaris to measure the apical area of salivary gland cells and quantify defects in organ development.
Salivary gland cells with apical areas measured. Smaller areas are in cooler colors and larger areas are warmer colors.