Germline Biology
Divergent (or non-canonical) cytoskeletal proteins are found in flies and mammals, yet this dramatic adaptation has been largely ignored. Interestingly, they are highly enriched in expression in the male germline. We have found that several divergent actin-related proteins (Arps) localize to unique actin structures that are critical in sperm maturation. Our current studies are investigating what roles these proteins play at these structures and how they impact actin polymerization.
Learn more from our two papers below:
A Burst of Genetic Innovation in Drosophila Actin-Related Proteins for Testis-Specific Function