Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology

University of Edinburgh

Swann Building

King's Buildings

Edinburgh EH9 3JR

United Kingdom

We study the development of the Drosophila peripheral nervous system (PNS) as a model system for neurogenesis.

In particular, we are interested in the function of genes that encode transcription factors with a bHLH domain. Some of these are called proneural genes because they are required for cells to take on a neural fate during development.

Our favourite proneural gene is probably the one called  atonal, required for the development of chordotonal sense organs, photoreceptors, and some olfactory sense organs.

Follow links to the excellent Interactive Fly site for general information on:

• Peripheral nervous system
• Sense organs
• Compound eye
• Proneural genes

Gallery of Drosophila sense organs (sensilla):

• External sense organs (mechanosensory bristles) (SEM and 22C10)
• Chordotonal organs (stretch receptors)
• Olfactory sensilla (link to antenna SEM)
• Photoreceptors (compound eye) (link to eye SEM and section)
• Embryonic PNS

bHLH genes and sense organ development:

• Mutants of proneural genes
• Expression patterns of proneural genes

Current members of the lab:

• Lab members

Other information:

• Recent publications

Our research is funded by:

• The Wellcome Trust
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)