Our laboratory is using genetic approaches in Drosophila to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which neurons form synapses and communicate with one another, and to explore how mutations in particular genes lead to neuronal death in heritable forms of the neurodegenerative disorders. Our studies of neuronal function have primarily involved genetic analysis of candidate molecules of the neurotransmitter release apparatus. More recently we have begun to use classical genetic approaches to study this problem, and this work has led to the isolation and preliminary characterization of a collection of synaptic transmission mutants that will be the focus of future investigation. Our work on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms was initiated more recently and currently involves the study of genes implicated in Parkinson’s disease, Niemann Pick Type C disease and polyglutamine disease. You may obtain additional information relating to our previous work and current efforts by clicking on either of the links shown below.