Cell migration and programmed cell death are essential features of animal development. Many cell populations, including the germ cells, neurons, neural crest cells, heart precursor cells, limb muscle cells, and immune system cells, are formed at sites distant from where they function in the mature organism. Organogenesis often involves both the directed migration of cells to the site of organ formation and the elimination of excess cells or cells that are potentially dangerous to the organism. A cell that does not reach its target tissue cannot function in its normal capacity. Moreover, a cell that fails to migrate to its appropriate target can cause severe pathologies, such as a tumor, if it is not eliminated.

A long-term goal of the laboratory is to understand the principles guiding germ cell migration and programmed cell death in Drosophila. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms governing these fundamental developmental events in Drosophila germ cells will increase our understanding of processes such as the etiology of metastasis, congenital heart disease, facial malformation and neurological disorders.