Research Interests

Genetic regulation of early neural development, primarily using Xenopus.

Research Area

One of our projects involves the mechanisms by which gene expression is activated during the early development of the anterior neural plate. The anterior neural plate eventually develops into the forebrain and the neural component of the sense organs. Several genes are initially expressed in the anterior neural plate and then are involved in the development of diverse organs of the head, such as the forebrain, anterior pituitary, and neural retina. We are characterizing and comparing the promoters of known anterior neural plate genes in order to identify common elements involved in regulation of their expression during early development. We are also interested in identifying and characterizing additional genes involved in the early development of the anterior neural plate. We are also studying the genetics of neural retina development, focusing on the genetics of the essential retinal homeobox gene, Rx. We are interested in the Rx genetic pathway, including identifying genes that are involved in activation of proper spatial and temporal Rx expression. These genes should also play important roles in eye development.

Current Members

El-Hodiri, Heithem (Principal Investigator/Director)

Contact

Institution: Ohio State University

Address:
The Center for Molecular and Human Genetic and
Dept. Neurobiology
Ohio State University
Coloumbus, OH
USA