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Daniel P. Kiehart

Professor of Biology
Biology
Box 90338, Dept. Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-1000
4330 French Family Science Cen, Science Drive, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0338

Overview


Our intellectual focus is on identifying determinants of cell shape that function during development. Utilizing molecular genetic and reverse genetic approaches in Drosophila, we have shown that conventional nonmuscle myosin is necessary for driving both cell division and post-mitotic cell shape changes for morphogenesis. Currently, we are investigating how myosin elicits cell shape change and how its function is regulated through filament formation, phosphorylation, sub-cellular targeting, small GTP-binding proteins, kinase and phosphatase functions. In fly, we are using novel, near saturating screens to identify mutations that perturb dorsal closure, a model cell sheet movement that requires at least six different filamentous actin and/or actomyosin arrays for proper morphogenesis. Our screens show that nearly all aspects of closure a mutable -- by extrapolating our results, which have thus far screened approximately two-fifths of the fly genome, we project that the function of over 300 genes are required to drive this superficially simple, yet remarkably complex and sophisticated morphogenic process. We have also identified gene products that are necessary for myosin function by genetically recovering second site non-complementing loci and biochemically recovering proteins that bind to myosin. To date, our experiments identify ~30 loci that genetically interact with myosin and a kinase activity that phosphorylates myosin heavy chain and establish genetically, that the Rho signalling pathway is required in concert with nonmuscle myosin II for morphogenesis. Finally, we are using laser microsurgery and micro-manipulation studies to understand the forces that drive  morphogenesis. We show that both the amnioserosa and the leading edge of the lateral epidermis contribute to the movements of dorsal closure. Finally, we are examining the role these proteins play in movements that occur during wound healing.

Office Hours


During Semesters (that I am not on leave) to be specified and by appointment arranged via email (dkiehart@duke.edu).
When school is not in session or during summer sessions, by appointment arranged via email (dkiehart@duke.edu).

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Biology · 2000 - Present Biology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Chief, Division of Developmental Biology · 1993 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology · 2000 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center · 2021 - Present Duke Regeneration Center, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published July 6, 2022
Behold: the Cell’s Skeleton in Motion
Published April 21, 2016
Dan Kiehart Reappointed as Trinity Dean of Natural Sciences
Published February 21, 2016
3-D Movies of Life at Nanoscale Named Best Science Paper of the Year

View All News

Recent Publications


Notochord segmentation in zebrafish controlled by iterative mechanical signaling.

Journal Article Dev Cell · July 22, 2024 In bony fishes, patterning of the vertebral column, or spine, is guided by a metameric blueprint established in the notochord sheath. Notochord segmentation begins days after somitogenesis concludes and can occur in its absence. However, somite patterning ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Minimal vertex model explains how the amnioserosa avoids fluidization during Drosophila dorsal closure.

Journal Article ArXiv · December 20, 2023 Dorsal closure is a process that occurs during embryogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. During dorsal closure, the amnioserosa (AS), a one-cell thick epithelial tissue that fills the dorsal opening, shrinks as the lateral epidermis sheets converge and eve ... Link to item Cite

Wound repair in sea urchin larvae involves pigment cells and blastocoelar cells.

Journal Article Developmental biology · November 2022 Sea urchin larvae spend weeks to months feeding on plankton prior to metamorphosis. When handled in the laboratory they are easily injured, suggesting that in the plankton they are injured with some frequency. Fortunately, larval wounds are repaired throug ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Morphogenesis: Biophysics and Genetics of Dorsal Closure

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2028

Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2001 - 2027

Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Pennsylvania · 1979 Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania · 1973 B.A.