![Visualizing How Neurons Develop in the Fruit Fly Eye]()
Proneural bHLH proteins are transcription factors that regulate the development of key nerve cells needed for vision (including rod and cone photoreceptors and corneal nerves) and for maintaining the health of the eye. It is known that the ability of bHLH transcription factors to bind to DNA is antagonized by other proteins known as the ID-class of HLH proteins. Nicholas Baker, Ph.D., has received a four-year, $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to better understand the function of this network of interacting proteins. The research is expected to reveal new regulators of neural development that are important in the eye. It may also lead to new strategies for maintaining and regenerating healthy eye function. Dr. Baker is professor of genetics, of developmental & molecular biology and of ophthalmology & visual sciences and is also the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Genetics and director of the division of molecular genetics at Einstein. (1R01EY028990-01A1)
Posted on: Tuesday, April 23, 2019