Murali C. Pillai
Professor of Biology & Chair of the SSU Health Professions Advisory Program
Ph.D. University of California (Davis), 1988
Voicemail: (707) 664- 2981
Email: murali.pillai@sonoma.edu
Office: Darwin 214
Webpage
Postdoctoral Experience:
University of California (Davis); Bodega Marine Laboratory (UC Davis).
Research Interests:
Mechanisms of Fertilization; Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Specification and Embryonic Axis Determination; Developmental Toxicology.
Research Program:
Research in my lab focuses on the following: 1) molecular and physiological mechanisms of sperm motility initiation during fertilization; 2) molecular pathways leading to cell specification and embryonic axis determination, and; 3) effect of environmental pollutants- both natural and anthropogenic-on these critical stages of animal development. We use a number of experimental systems for these studies, including gametes and early embryos of sea urchins, herring and zebra fish, as well as cultured embryonic mouse fibroblast cells. Much of these studies is collaborative and involves scientists from University of California Davis, University of Hawaii and the University of Tokyo. One of the current research projects involves investigations into the effects of specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on axis determination in sea urchin and zebra fish embryos. Our recent studies indicate that PAHs, some of which are known to be potent environmental carcinogens, disrupt axis development in sea urchin embryos via the beta-catenin dependent molecular pathway. Studies are underway to determine the specific molecular targets for PAHs.
Representative Publications:
Vines, C.A., M.C. Pillai, A.H. Wikramanayake, and G.N. Cherr. In preparation. Exogastrulation in sea urchin embryos: A direct role for Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK) -3 beta.
Pillai, M.C., Vines. C.A., Wikramanayake, A.H and Cherr, G.N. 2003. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons disrupt axial development in sea urchin embryos through beta-catenin dependent pathway. Toxicology 186:93-108.
Vines, C.A., Kiroku, K. Griffin, F.J. Pillai, M.C., Morisawa, M., Yanagimachi, R. and Cherr. G.N. 2002. Motility initiation in herring sperm is regulated by reverse sodium-calcium exchange. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 99:2026-2031.
Griffin, F. J., M. C. Pillai, C. A. Vines, T. Hibbard-Robbins, R. Yanagimachi, and G. N. Cherr. 1998. Effect of salinity on fertilization and development in herring. Biological Bulletin 194:25-35.
Pillai, M.C., H. S. Blethrow, R. M. Higashi, and G. N. Cherr. 1997. Inhibition of the sea urchin sperm acrosome reaction by a lignin-derived macromolecule. Aquatic Toxicology 37:139-156.
Griffin, F.J., C. A. Vines, M. C. Pillai, R. Yanagimachi, R. and G. N. Cherr. 1996. The sperm motility initiation factor (SMIF) of the Pacific herring egg chorion: A minor component of major function. Development, Growth & Differentiation 38:193-202.
Course Offerings:
Molecular and Cell Biology; Developmental Biology; Cell Biology; Advanced Cell Biology; Introduction to Careers in the Health Professions.