(605) 274-4496

 cecelia.miles@augie.edu

  • Associate Professor, Developmental Biology
  • Augustana University
  • NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, NIH Kirschstein, University of Chicago
  • Ph.D., Zoology, University of Florida, Gainsville
  • M.S., Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
  • B.S., Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station

In previous work, we used whole-genome sequencing data in cold-adapted inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster to identify 22 candidate genes potentially involved in the large-egg phenotype found in these lines. Last summer, we began to validate this list of genes using semi-quantitative PCR. We observed changes in expression of the gene stathmin, a microtubule destabilizing gene, between the cold-adapted lines and control OregonR flies. In 2022 we will use our existing protocols and incorporate quantitative PCR (qPCR), to test as many of the remaining genes as possible from our candidate list to extend our understanding of variation in egg size.

Dr. Miles will be collaborating with Dr. Omera Matoo (Omera.Matoo@usd.edu) this summer. Dr. Matoo is using a line of mutant fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) specifically designed to study relationships between mitochondrial and nuclear genes under physiological stress. Using targeted genetics, cellular physiology, and bioinformatic approaches. BRIN Fellows will work with Dr. Matoo to identify candidate mitochondrial genes that act to restore cellular homeostasis. For more information contact Dr. Miles (cmiles@augie.edu) or Dr. Matoo (Omera.Matoo@usd.edu). 
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