The Laura Lee laboratory uses Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for studying the cell cycle during development.  During early Drosophila embryogenesis, cell cycles are coordinated by three genes: pan gu (encodes a protein kinase), plutonium, and giant nuclei.  Embryos from females with mutations in any of these genes undergo repreated rounds of S phase, resulting in a highly polyploid phenotype.  A genome-scale biochemical screen for Pan gu substrates identified Mat89Bb, a novel protein required for cell cycle progression in Drosophila and Xenopus embryos and in cultured human cells.  The Lee lab's efforts are directed towards elucidating the cell cycle role of Mat89Bb.  Lab members are also analyzing a colection of Drosophila maternal effect-lethal mutants that prodice embryos with cell cycle defects with the goal of identifying new cell cycle regulators.  Finaly, in collaboration with Dr. Marc Kirschner's laboratory, the Lee lab is studying the in vivo functions of novel substrates of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex that were identified using a biochemical screen.

For more information about Dr. Lee visit her Vanderbilt Faculty Page or her Lab Website

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition: Kinase Cabal Plots Regime Change.  2006 Current Biology 16: R93-R95