Riley Lab

For most studies we use a phenotype-to-gene strategy: Randomly induced mutations are propagated to determine whether carriers display developmental defects. Mutations of interest are then genetically mapped, and eventually cloned, using PCR-based technology. We are also using gene-to-phenotype ("reverse genetics") strategies to functionally disrupt previously cloned genes. With either strategy, an important goal is to phenotypically analyze mutant embryos to establish the cellular and molecular bases for their developmental defects. Currently, the lab is focused on analysis of mutations that perturb hindbrain and inner ear development. Both organ systems are highly conserved among vertebrates and are essential for normal embryonic development and survival. Specific molecules and pathways of interest include Delta-Notch, FGF, and Wnt signaling, as well as members of the muscle segment homeobox (msx) and paired box (pax) families of transcription factors.