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lab profile
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Marcus Davis Kennesaw State University Dept. of Biology
1000 Chastain Road, Bldg #12
Kennesaw, GA 30144
USA
mdavi144@kennesaw.edu 770-423-6591
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PI: |
YES |
Taxa Studied: |
Vertebrate Animals |
Techniques Employed: |
In Situ Hybridization, Antibody Staining, Sectioning for Histology, Epifluoresence Microscopy, Confocal Microscopy, Morpholinos |
Research Description: |
Dr. Marcus C. Davis' research focuses on the evolution of paired appendage (fin and limb) development in vertebrates, with an emphasis on the role that the Hox and Sonic Hedgehog gene pathways play in skeletal morphogenesis (formation). He seeks to uncover how appendage development has evolved by investigating phylogenetically basal vertebrate taxa. To this end, he has developed, or helped develop, several non-model taxa as viable alternative vertebrate systems for developmental research, including basal ray-finned fishes (Polyodon, Lepisosteus) and chondrichthyans (Raja). Results of this research demonstrate a fundamentally conserved pattern of Hox and Sonic Hedgehog pathway expression and function across the Vertebrata. This supports the notion that the fundamental differences in appendage form observed across vertebrate diversity are the result of regulatory changes in the timing, position, and quantity of expression of highly conserved gene products. |
Lab Web Page: |
http://science.kennesaw.edu/~mdavi144 |
Willing to Host Undergraduates: |
YES |
Actively Seeking Undergraduates: |
YES |
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