The Papoulas lab is interested in
the molecular mechanisms that control how cells form and differentiate in early animal embryos. Our research is currently focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of two processes that control the formation of the first polarized epithelial cell layer in early Drosophila embryos: Golgi-dependent membrane secretion and Fragile X mental retardation protein-dependent translational regulation. We study these processes using an integrated experimental approach that combines the advantages of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and live embryo imaging. more >