MARK A. HILLER

Research Interests: Drosophila genetics and developmental biology,

regulation of gene expression, and reproductive biology.

Research In Progress:

Regulation of Gene Expression

Gene expression is a tightly regulated process that directs both cell fate decisions and development. Every gene in the genome of a multi-cellular organism must be expressed in the correct cell type and at the correct time during development. However, the mechanisms that regulate this process are largely unknown. To study tissue-specific transcription we are studying spermatogenesis in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The complex cellular changes that produce fully differentiated sperm depend on a robust transcriptional program in developing germline cells. Using a wide range of genetic and molecular biological techniques, we are investigating several male-sterile mutants that do not correctly regulate gene expression of spermatid differentiation genes. Analysis of the male sterile mutants indicates that function of several tissue-specific subunits of the general RNA polymerase II machinery are important for transcription in the fly germline. Interestingly, mammals also have tissue-specific general transcription machinery, and thus the general mechanisms regulating gene expression in Drosophila may be conserved in mammals.

Representative Publications:

Hiller, M.A., X. Chen, M.J. Pringle, M. Suchorolski, Y. Sancak, S. Viswanathan, B. Bolival, T-Y. Lin, S. Marino, and M.T. Fuller. Testis-specific TAF homologs collaborate to control a tissue-specific transcription program. Development. (in press).

Perezgasga, L., J-Q. Jian, B. Bolival Jr., M. Hiller, E. Benson, M.T. Fuller, H. White-Cooper. (2004) Regulation of transcription of meiotic cell cycle and terminal differentiation genes by the testis-specific Zn-finger protein matotopetli. Development 131:1691-702.

J.J.Hwa, M.A. Hiller, M.T. Fuller, A. Santel (2002) Differential expression of the Drosophila mitofusin genes fuzzy onions and dMfn. Mechanisms of Development 116: 213-216.

Hiller, M.A., T.-Y. Lin, C. Wood, and M.T. Fuller (2001) Developmental regulation of transcription by a tissue specific TAF_II homolog. Genes and Development 15: 1021-1030.