Martha J. Lundell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics
Office: SCB 4.02.52
Phone: (210) 458-5769
Martha.Lundell@utsa.edu
Research Interests
The research in my laboratory is focused on how neurons in the CNS of Drosophila acquire unique cell fates during neurogenesis. In particular we are examining the specification of neurons that synthesize serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter conserved throughout the animal kingdom. An understanding of the mechanism that leads to differentiation of these neurons will provide molecular tools that can be used to investigate the physiological function of serotonin.
Using a combination of molecular genetics, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy we have characterize a number of genes that are essential in the differentiation of serotonin neurons. Mutations in these genes effect various steps in the developmental pathway from the progenitor neuroblast to the differentiated cell. We are investigating genetic interactions between these genes to establish a mechanism for serotonin cell specification. Many of the genes thus far identified have other functions during Drosophila embryogeneisis. We are asking how genes that determine cell fate can be recycled in different tissues during development to specify multiple cell fates. We will continue to screen for additional genes involved in this developmental pathway.
Serotonin has been associated with locomotion, learning, memory and several human neural disorders. With molecular genetics we can use the genes already identified to specifically alter serotonin levels in the CNS and examine the affect on fly behavior using various behavior paradigms.
Recent Publications
Reddypalli S, Roll K, Lee HK, Lundell M, Barea-Rodriguez E, Wheeler EF. p75NTR-mediated signaling promotes the survival of myoblasts and influences muscle strength. J Cell Physiol. 2005 Sep;204(3):819-29.
Lundell MJ, Lee HK, Perez E, Chadwell L. The regulation of apoptosis by Numb/Notch signaling in the serotonin lineage of Drosophila. Development. 2003 Sep;130(17):4109-21.
Lundell, M.J. and Hirsh, J. (1998) eagle is required for the specification of serotonin neurons and other neuroblast 7-3 progeny in the Drosophila CNS. Development. 125, 463-472.
Lundell, M.J., Chu-LaGraff, Q., Doe, C.Q. and Hirsh, J. (1996) The expression of engrailed and huckebein are essential for development of serotonin neurons in the Drosophila CNS. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. 7, 46-61.