James W. Posakony, Ph.D.

Research

The scientific interests of our lab lie in the areas of pattern formation, cell fate specification, and morphogenesis during development. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) of the adult fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) has proven to be a particularly accessible setting in which to investigate these problems, and our research program is directed at understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control PNS development. We employ a variety of experimental approaches, including classical and molecular genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, both to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of various proteins and to assess their in vivo developmental functions. At present our work is focused on two broad questions: (1) How do cell-cell interactions mediated by the Notch signaling pathway control alternative cell fate decisions throughout sensory organ development? (2) What are the specific molecular links between the mechanisms that specify cell fate in the sensory organ lineage and the execution of the cells’ individual differentiative programs?