Lab interest is in the role of mutations in the human tau gene that cause dementias. We are using a transgenic approach and are introducing mutant taus into zebrafish. We use antibodies that recognize specific epitopes that are characteristic of tau in the pathological state. A related study is focusing on the role of environmental toxins in neurodegenerative disorders, e.g. Alzheimer's disease and other demetias.
We are also using the transgenic fish expressing human tau-GFP fusion proteins to assess the effects of environmental toxicants on neural development and viability. Specifically, We are looking at the effects of low levels of heavy metals such as lead and mercury on zebrafish development.

In a related project we are examining the evolution of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) in teleost. We have cloned the MAP tau in several fish species. Our focus is on MAPs in ancient fish species, especially lampreys, sturgeon and the bowfin. How the MAPs have changed over time and the evolution of the microtubule associated signaling molecules, including kinases and phosphatases, is of interest. Towards this goal, we venture forward into the field during the spring to capture freshly laid bowfin eggs. We are in the process of creating time lapse movies of bowfin development. Bowfin have remained relatively unchanged for the last 150-200 million years and as living fossils we are interested in how microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) have changed over the eons, especially those involved in neurogenesis. Towards this end we are characterizing bowfin MAPS and the signaling proteins with which they interact during neurogenesis. We are also planning to make a time lapse movie depoicting bowfin development.