Department of Biology
Esther M. Leise, Professor
- Research:
- Research in my laboratory focuses on the neural control of metamorphosis in the marine snail, Ilyanassa obsoleta. The mudflats where these organisms live contain several species that can induce metamorphosis in Ilyanassa, and our major research goal is to understand how the larval nervous system controls this irreversible developmental event. We use a combination of anatomical and physiological methods in our research and are currently exploring the interaction between a natural metamorphic inducer and the actions of two major neurotransmitters, nitric oxide and serotonin, that are affected by the induction process. Our studies also allow me to maintain my interests in the evolution of invertebrate nervous systems and developmental processes.
- Recent Publications:
-
Hens, M.D., Fowler, K., and Leise, E.M. (2006) Induction of metamorphosis decreases nitric oxide synthase gene expression in larvae of the marine mollusc Ilyanassa obsoleta (Say). Biological Bulletin 211(3):208-211.
Gifondorwa, D.J. and Leise, E.M. (2006). Programmed Cell Death in the Apical Ganglion During Larval Metamorphosis of the Marine Mollusc Ilyanassa obsoleta. Biological Bulletin 210(2):109-120.
Leise, E.M., Kempf, S.C., Durham, N., and Gifondorwa, D.J. (2004) Induction of metamorphosis in the marine gastropod, Ilyanassa obsoleta: 5HT, NO and Programmed Cell Death. Acta Biologica Hungarica 55(1-4):293-300.
Thavaradhara, K. and Leise, E.M. (2001) Localization of nitric oxide synthase-like immunoreactivity in the developing nervous system of the snail Ilyanassa obsoleta. Journal of Neurocytology 30(6):449-456.
- Classes:
- Cell Biology (BIO 355)
- Cell Biology Lab (BIO 356)
- Histology (BIO 472)
- Neurobiology (BIO 479)
- Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (BIO 504)
- Advanced Topics in Neurobiology (BIO 507)
- Metamorphosis (BIO 552)
- Drugs & The Brain (BIO 573)
Neuroanatomical Techniques (BIO 575)
- Contact:
- 427 Eberhart Building
- (336) 334-4957