Cancer is a disease characterized by multiple genetic changes that give rise to unrestrained tissue growth that can interfere with normal organ function and eventually lead to death. Scientists are actively searching to understand the genetic changes that promote cancer formation in order to know how to treat and prevent cancer. A recent study identified a gene named CDC5L that is overexpressed in osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer. On the other hand, other studies have suggested that lowered expression of CDC5L might contribute to cellular aging or multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, it is not well understood how CDC5L works nor how its altered expression might lead to disease, such as cancer. We utilize the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic system to study the function of CDC5L. We study what the consequences are on cell proliferation when CDC5L expression is altered in the developing Drosophila eye, either by overexpression of CDC5L or by RNAi knockdown. Preliminary results from my lab show that RNAi knockdown of CDC5L gives rise to abnormal eye tissue. The abnormal eye phenotypes created by RNAi or overexpression of CDC5L are also being used as a basis for a genetic screen to uncover the genes that are involved in CDC5L function. This research will help us to better understand how altered CDC5L expression might contribute to disease.
Students interested in working in my lab will become involved in projects that investigate the molecular and genetic basis of CDC5L function. They will use a variety of techniques, including genetics, cell staining, and microscopy. Students will also have the opportunity to perform molecular cloning of CDC5L toward the production of transgenic flies. In addition to CDC5L, I have a number of other interesting disease genes and projects that may be pursued if a student is interested.