Otsuka Lab

    The Otsuka lab is located at Illinois State University and is a part of the Department of Biological Sciences.  Our emphasis is on neural development using molecular and cellular tools with the small round worm, C. elegans, as a model system.  At the moment, we are focused on the unc-44 ankyrin gene.  Our lab has cloned, sequenced, and partially characterized this gene.  The largest UNC-44 isoform (AO13 ankyrin, 775 kDa) is required for neural guidance.  We have studied ankyrin interactors via the yeast 2-hybrid system.  Among the proteins binding AO13 ankyrin were PP2A B' subunit and CLASP2.  We also found that the same region interacts with calcium. We are always looking for graduate students, so if you are interested feel free to contact Dr. Otsuka.