Fox Lab
Principal Investigator: Donald T. Fox
Institution: Duke University (Durham, NC)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
Specialized cellular identity requires unique protein expression control. Such expression control in gametes and reproductive neurons ensures fertility. By studying cell- and tissue-level genetic code regulation, we discovered multiple links to reproductive biology. Specifically, we found that in both flies (Drosophila) and humans, the germ cells of the testis but not the ovary upregulate numerous mRNAs that are enriched in rarely used codons. We then revealed that rare codons restrict the ribosomal protein RpL10Aa to the fly testis to ensure fertility. Few other fly cell types express a rare codon reporter outside of the testis, with an additional example being most types of neurons of the brain. From genetic screening, we identified the conserved mRNA binding proteins Not3 and Orb2 as critical regulators of rare codon-dependent expression in both germ cells of the testis and in neurons throughout the brain. Notably, Orb2 has two main functions- ensuring spermatogenesis and control of mating behavior in reproductive neurons of the brain. Thus, our data are revealing important rare codon regulation of reproduction in both male gametes and neurons (including those neurons that contr…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01HD113543-03: Regulation of fertility and reproduction by codon usage: a Drosophila model (2026)
- 5R01HD113543-02: Regulation of fertility and reproduction by codon usage: a Drosophila model (2025)
- 5R01GM140138-04: Broken chromosome segregation during mitosis: a Drosophila model (2025)
- 5R01GM118447-09: Polyploidy after tissue injury: a Drosophila model (2025)
- 5R01GM140138-03: Broken chromosome segregation during mitosis: a Drosophila model (2024)
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