|
 |
|
|
Professor of Zoology
Phone: (405)325-1528
Fax: (405)325-6202RM/Lab:RH300A
Durica Lab Web Page
Current Research Interests and Subject Areas Available for Graduate Research
As a geneticist, I have a persistent interest in the evolution of genes and how genes assume different and varied functions within developmental programs. We are currently characterizing members of a widely studied gene family, the nuclear receptor superfamily. This family of genes encodes transcription factors. Under the influence of a hormone (or hormone-like) molecule, these factors bind to DNA and regulate gene activity.
The hormone ecdysone is involved in metamorphosis in insects and has been shown, through nuclear receptor interactions, to program the expression of genes critical to molting and metamorphosis. Ecdysteroid hormones are also believed to play an important role in molting in crustaceans, and may also be involved in reproduction and a specialized type of growth easily studied in crustaceans, limb regeneration. We have recently isolated genes encoding the components of the crustacean ecdysteroid receptor and are investigating the pattern of receptor expression during the molt and reproductive cycles and in regenerating limbs. How a "common" hormonal signal might modulate these varied physiological events is unclear. Knowledge of the type and amounts of signaling molecules present at specific stages of growth and regeneration, coupled with information on the physical properties and tissue distribution of receptors, will identify putative target tissues under hormonal control and help us to better understand the evolution of this signaling mechanism.
To learn more about this research, visit the Durica Lab Web Page.
M.S., University of Connecticut
B.A., Clark University
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
