u n d e r g r a d u a t e . r e s e a r c h.. o p p o r t u n i t i e s

My major research interests involve the genetic control of development and the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation using the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, as an experimental organism to investigate these topics.

Specifically, we have been investigating a number of genes that encode components of a structure called the proteasome. Proteasomes are multisubunit complexes that act as the protein-degrading machinery in all eukaryotes. By analyzing mutant strains that have defective proteasomes, and by examining the molecular characteristics of cloned proteasome subunit genes, we are attempting to clarify what specific roles proteasome function plays during development.

Restrictions: I would be hesitant to take on anyone who has not done reasonably well in General Genetics (B or better).

John M. Belote
304 BRL
443-3695
jbelote@syr.edu