BETSY DOBBS-McAULIFFE

Courses taught:

• BMS 111 - Cells and the Human Body
• BMS 113 - Laboratory Experience in Biomolecular Sciences
• BMS 415 - Advanced Exploration in Cell, Molecular, and Physiological Biology
• BMS 500 - Seminar in Biomolecular Sciences

Research Interests

In my lab we study the processes that transform a single-celled embryo into a complex, multicellular organism. To accomplish this feat, there must be a balance of cell division and cell differentiation within the embryo. Looking specifically at the production of muscle, we investigate how muscle progenitors exit the cell division cycle, turn on muscle specific genes, and elongate as muscle fibers. We are also working to understand the signals that instruct a cell to exit the cycle, to become muscle and how these two processes are coordinated. We use zebrafish as a model system taking full advantage of its rapid development and optical clarity to look at the process of muscle development as it happens.

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Revised August 30, 2007