Marc Servetnick

Courses Taught:

• Literature in Biology
• Honors Intermediate Seminar: Genes, Embryos, and Technology of Reproduction
• Developmental Biology (Spring 2008)

My laboratory studies early embryonic development, using the widely-studied South African frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model system. Our research concerns cell fate determination: that is, what causes cells in the embryo to develop as a specific type of cell (brain, skin, liver, etc.). One way that cells can be influenced to take on a particular fate is through cell-cell communication. This communication between cells coordinates the decision-making process.

We are studying the molecular signals that mediate such communication, and in particular we are interested in a family of proteins called FGFs. FGFs are secreted from some cells, and bind to FGF receptors on the surfaces of other cells. Signaling through FGF receptors can cause cells to change their fates. FGF signaling is used in the early subdivision of the embryo into three layers, and is used later in the formation of muscle, limbs, brain, lungs and many other organs.

Specific research projects involve studying the roles of FGFR signaling in early developmental events (for example, formation of mesoderm), and the role of FGFR signaling in the formation of different cell types within the developing eye.

Students wanting to conduct research in my lab, please read my current projects.

Visit the Biology Department at Ithaca College.