Rebecca Fran Spokony
Assc Professor
Weissman School of Arts and Sciences
Department: Natural Sciences
Areas of expertise:
Email Address: rebecca.spokony@baruch.cuny.edu
> View CV- Biography
- Teaching
- Research and Creative Activity
- Grants
- Honors and Awards
- Service
Education
Ph.D., Insect Science, University of Arizona Tucson AZ
B.S., Biology, Cornell University Ithaca NY
| Semester | Course Prefix | Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2024 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2024 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2024 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2023 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2023 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2023 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2022 | BIO | 1015L | Fund Of Bio - Gen, Evol, & Eco |
| Fall 2022 | BIO | 1015L | Fund Of Bio - Gen, Evol, & Eco |
| Fall 2022 | BIO | 1015L | Fund Of Bio - Gen, Evol, & Eco |
| Fall 2022 | BIO | 1016 | Fundamentals of Biology |
| Spring 2022 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2022 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2022 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2021 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2021 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2021 | BIO | 1015L | Fund Of Bio - Gen, Evol, & Eco |
| Fall 2020 | BIO | 5002 | Independent Study Biology III |
| Fall 2020 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2020 | BIO | 1015L | Fund Of Bio - Gen, Evol, & Eco |
| Fall 2020 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2020 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2020 | BIO | 5001 | Independent Study Biology II |
| Fall 2019 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Fall 2019 | BIO | 3001 | Principles of Biology II |
| Fall 2019 | IDC | 3002H | Hon Sci & Tech NYC |
| Fall 2019 | IDC | 4050H | Hon Feit Hum Sem I |
| Spring 2019 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2019 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2018 | BIO | 5000H | Hon Independent Study BIO I |
| Fall 2018 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Fall 2018 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2018 | BIO | 6002H | Honors Biology II |
| Spring 2018 | BIO | 6002H | Honors Biology II |
| Spring 2018 | BIO | 5000H | Hon Independent Study BIO I |
| Spring 2018 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2018 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2017 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Fall 2017 | BIO | 6001H | Biology Honors I |
| Fall 2017 | BIO | 6001H | Biology Honors I |
| Spring 2017 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2017 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2017 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2016 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2016 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2016 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2016 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Spring 2016 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Spring 2016 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Fall 2015 | BIO | 5000 | Independent Study Biology I |
| Fall 2015 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2015 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2015 | IDC | 3002H | Hon Sci & Tech NYC |
| Spring 2015 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2015 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2015 | BIO | 5004 | Independent Study Biology V |
| Spring 2015 | BIO | 6002H | Honors Biology II |
| Spring 2015 | IDC | 4050H | Hon Feit Hum Sem I |
| Fall 2014 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2014 | IDC | 3002H | Hon Sci & Tech NYC |
| Fall 2014 | BIO | 6001H | Biology Honors I |
| Fall 2014 | BIO | 5002 | Independent Study Biology III |
| Fall 2014 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2014 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Spring 2014 | BIO | 4015 | Development Biology |
| Spring 2014 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2013 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
| Fall 2013 | BIO | 1003L | Survey of the Living World Lec |
| Fall 2013 | BIO | 1003 | Survey of the Living World |
Journal Articles
Magee, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2023). Effect of D. melanogaster larval density on pupal size. µP microPublication Biology,
Lopatto, D., Rosenwald, A. G., Burgess, R. C., Silver, K. C., Van, S. M., Wawersik, M., DiAngelo, J. R., Hark, A. T., Skerritt, M., Allen, A. K., Alvarez, C., Anderson, S., Arrigo, C., Arsham, A., Barnard, D., Bedard, J., Bose, I., Braverman, J. M., Burg, M. G., Croonquist, P., Du, C., Dubowsky, S., Eisler, H., Escobar, M. A., Foulk, M., Giarla, T., Glaser, R. L., Goodman, A. L., Gosser, Y., Haberman, A., Hauser, C., Hays, S., Howell, C. E., Jemc, J., Jones, C. J., Kadlec, L., Kagey, J. D., Keller, K. L., Kennell, J., Kleinschmit, A. J., Kleinschmit, M., Kokan, N. P., Kopp, O. R., Laakso, M. M., Leatherman, J., Long, L. J., Manier, M., Martinez-Cruzado, J. C., Matos, L. F., McClellan, A. J., McNeil, G., Merkhofer, E., Mingo, V., Mistry, H., Mitchell, E., Mortimer, N. T., Myka, J. L., Nagengast, A., Overvoorde, P., Paetkau, D., Paliulis, L., Parrish, S., Toering, P. S., Preuss, M. L., Price, J. V., Pullen, N. A., Reinke, C., Revie, D., Robic, S., Roecklein-Canfield, J. A., Rubin, M. R., Sadikot, T., Sanford, J. S., Santisteban, M., Saville, K., Schroeder, S., Shaffer, C. D., Sharif, K. A., Sklensky, D. E., Small, C., Smith, S., Spokony, R., Sreenivasan, A., Stamm, J., Sterne-Marr, R., Teeter, K. C., Thackeray, J., Thompson, J. S., Velazquez-Ulloa, N., Wolfe, C., Youngblom, J., Yowler, B., Zhou, L., Brennan, J., Buhler, J., Leung, W., Elgin, S., & Reed, L. K. (2022). Student Attitudes Contribute to the Effectiveness of a Genomics CURE. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION,
(2020). Facilitating Growth through Frustration: Using Genomics Research in a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION, 21(1).
(2015). Centrosomin represses dendrite branching by orienting microtubule nucleation. NATURE NEUROSCIENCE, 18(10). 1437-+.
(2014). Comparative analysis of regulatory information and circuits across distant species. NATURE, 512(7515). 453-+.
(2014). Pri peptides are mediators of ecdysone for the temporal control of development. NATURE CELL BIOLOGY, 16(11). 1035-+.
(2014). Evolution of H3K27me3-marked chromatin is linked to gene expression evolution and to patterns of gene duplication and diversification. GENOME RESEARCH, 24(7). 1115-1124.
(2014). Diverse patterns of genomic targeting by transcriptional regulators in Drosophila melanogaster. GENOME RESEARCH, 24(7). 1224-1235.
(2014). Participation of the Drosophila Homolog of ROR in RXR-Mediated Epidermal Morphogenesis. ENDOCRINE REVIEWS, 35(3).
(2013). Genome-wide analyses of Shavenbaby target genes reveals distinct features of enhancer organization. GENOME BIOLOGY, 14(8).
(2013). Myc-Dependent Genome Instability and Lifespan in Drosophila. PLOS ONE, 8(9).
(2011). Evidence of abundant stop codon readthrough in Drosophila and other metazoa. GENOME RESEARCH, 21(12). 2096-2113.
(2011). A cis-regulatory map of the Drosophila genome. NATURE, 471(7339). 527-531.
(2010). Identification of Functional Elements and Regulatory Circuits by Drosophila modENCODE. SCIENCE, 330(6012). 1787-1797.
(2009). Broad Complex Isoforms Have Unique Distributions during Central Nervous System Metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, 517(1). 15-36.
(2009). Versatile P[acman] BAC libraries for transgenesis studies in Drosophila melanogaster. NATURE METHODS, 6(6). 431-U46.
(2007). Anciently duplicated Broad Complex exons have distinct temporal functions during tissue morphogenesis. DEVELOPMENT GENES AND EVOLUTION, 217(7). 499-513.
Media Contributions
(2013). STUDYING BIOLOGY WITH MUTANT FLIES.
Presentations
Spokony, R. F. (2024, February 28). Hormone Sensitivity GWAS in the Undergraduate Laboratory Classroom. Integrating Bioinformatics into the Undergraduate Classroom. virtual: Brewmor, Bridging Research and Education with Model Organisms.
Spokony, R. F., Siegel, H., Yashaev, S. C., Healy, C., & Barton, L. (2024, March 28). Characterization of Juvenile hormone esterase and Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase mutants. The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. Washington, D.C.: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F., Siegel, H., Noriega, F., Nouzova, M., Sanny, J., Goyins, K., Lehmann, R., & Barton, L. J. (2024, June 28). Highs and lows: insights into the regulation of Juvenile hormones. The 6th International Insect Hormone Workshop. Riverside, CA: UC Riverside.
Spokony, R. F. (2024, March 28). Metabolic control of developmental timing and adult size. Baruch’s Second Annual Cross-College Faculty Research Symposium. Baruch College: Baruch.
Spokony, R. F. (2024, October 28). Genome-wide Association Study of Natural Variation in Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster. Department of Biology Seminar. University of Alabama Birmingham: UAB.
Spokony, R. F., Barton, L., & Lehmann, R. (2024, April 28). Endogenous degradation of hormones by two distinct classes of enzymes uniquely impact coordinated animal growth and development. 63rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego: Genetics Society of America.
Barton, L., Sanny, J., Dawson, E. P., Spokony, R. F., & Lehmann, R. (2024, April 28). Old Hormones, new tricks: Juvenile Hormones ensure primordial germ cells reach the embryonic somatic gonad. 63rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego: Genetics Society of America.
Barton, L., Sanny, J., Dawson, E., Spokony, R. F., Noriega, F. G., Nouzova, M., Stadtfeld, M., & Lehmann, R. (2021, June 30). Guiding the next generation: investigations into the roles of isoprenoids in embryonic germ cell development. 5th International Insect Hormone Workshop. virtual: University of California and University of Kentucky.
Spokony, R. F. (2020, January 20). Effects of juvenile hormone mimic treatment on the Drosophila melanogaster larval immune system. Diversite, Genomes & Interactions Microoganismes Insectes Seminar Series. Monpellier, France: Institut National de Recherche pour lÁgriculture, lÁlimentation & lÉnvironment.
Spokony, R. F. (2020, March 3). Effects of juvenile hormone mimics on Drosophila melanogaster larval cellular and humoral immune systems. Biomedical Informatics Colloquium. Brooklyn, NY: City Tech, CUNY.
Choudhry, A., & Spokony, R. F. (2020, April 22). Overexpression of Met or Gce in larval hemocytes is sufficient to increase lamellocyte formation in response to juvenile hormone mimic treatment. The Allied Genetics Conference 2020. Online: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F., McGrail, C., Calero, R., Lee, S. M., Sarder, M., & Migunova, E. (2019, March 27). Juvenile hormone mimics phenocopy parasitoid wasp attacks in Drosophila melanogaster. 60th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Dallas, TX: Genetics Society of America.
Tang, B., Cardenas, L., Lee, M. S., Calero, R., Barrera, L., Berisha, V., Schiro, B., McGrail, A., Sarder, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2018, April 11). Natural Variation in larval crystal cell number across the DGRP. 59th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Philadelphia, PA: Genetics Society of America.
McGrail, C., & Spokony, R. F. (2018, April 20). The effect of Methoprene on the JAK/STAT pathway in Drosophila. 4th Annual SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference. SUNY Oneonta: SUNY SURC.
McGrail, C., Calero, R., Ayisi-Boahene, G., & Spokony, R. F. (2018, October 27). Juvenile hormone induces lamellocytes through the JAK/STAT pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. 51st Annual MACUB Conference. Bayside, Queens: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Tang, B., Wu, H., Kaur, H., & Spokony, R. F. (2018, October 27). Functional Validation of Drosophila Blood Cell Development Genes. 51st Annual MACUB Conference. Bayside, Queens: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Spokony, R. F., McGrail, C., Calero, R., Lee, S. M., & Sarder, M. (2018, November 30). Juvenile hormone mimics phenocopy parasitic wasp attacks in Drosophila melanogaster through activation of JAK/STAT signaling, lamellocyte differentiation and melanotic tumor formation. 2018 ESA, ESC and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada: Entomological Society of America.
DiAngelo, J., Arsham, A., Braverman, J., Haberman, A., Johnson, M. L., Jones, C., Kadlec, L., Kagey, J., Kennell, J., Silver Key, S. C., Leatherman, J., Mistry, H., Nagengast, A., Paetkau, D., Sanford, J., Spokony, R. F., Wawersik, M., & Reed, L. (2018, April 11). The Genomics Education Partnership: Infusing Genomics in the Undergraduate Curriculum through Course-Based Research Experiences. 59th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Philadelphia, PA: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2018, April 3). Juvenile hormone mimic methoprene phenocopies parasitic wasp attack through activation of JAK/STAT signaling, lamellocyte differentiation and melanotic tumor formation. NY Fly Eye Club. Skirball Institute of New York University Langone Medical Center: Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Niewiadomsak-Cimicka, A., Sapa, A., Spokony, R. F., Siddiqui, K., Barajas, E., Jones, D., & Jones, G. (2017, April 1). Genetic Targets of the Ligand-Ultraspiracle (RXR) Signaling Axis for Generation of the Epidermal Cuticular Barrier in Drosophila melanogaster. Endo 2017. Orlando, FL: Endocrine Society.
Sarder, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, April 8). Ecdysone and Juvenile hormone control of an enhancer at the foraging locus in Drosophila melanogaster. Sense to Synapse 2017. New York, NY: Rockefeller University.
Spokony, R. F., Arthur, R., Brown, C. D., Barr, K., Sarder, M., Moran, J., Bild, N., Zieba, J., Cohen, J., & White, K. (2017, March 31). Juvenile hormone mimic methoprene regulates the ecdysone response by modifying Ecdysone Receptor function. 58th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego: Genetics Society of America.
Sanford, J., Burg, M., DiAngelo, J., Haberman, A., Jones, C., Kadlec, L., Kennell, J., Key, S. C., Leatherman, J., Nagengast, A., Reed, L., Small, C., Spokony, R. F., Stamm, J., Thackeray, J., Velazquez-Ulloa, N., Wawerik, M., Shaffer, C., Leung, W., Lopatto, D., & Elgin, S. (2017, March 30). A Bioinformatics Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience. 58th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego, CA: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F., Migunova, E., Yeung, E., Lee, M., & Cardenas, L. (2017, July 13). Natural variation in juvenile hormone mimic Methoprene response across the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel. International Insect Hormone Workshop 2017. Nasu, Japan: The Karlson Foundation, Marburg, Germany, The Molecular Biology Society of Japan, Suntory Foundation for Life Science.
Spokony, R. F. (2017, September 13). Natural variation in juvenile hormone mimic Methoprene response. Fordham University Biology Colloquium. Bronx, NY: Fordham University.
Lee, M. S., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, October 28). Do Juvenile Hormone Mimics Regulate Microcephaly Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. 50th Annual Fall MACUB Conference. New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Spokony, R. F. (2017, September 25). Natural variation in crystal cell number and hormone response across the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel. Biology Department Seminar Series. Biology Department, CCNY: City College of New York.
Cardenas, L., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, September 26). The effect of Methoprene on larval mortality. International Conference of Undergraduate Research. Baruch College: Baruch College, CUNY.
Sarder, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, September 26). Methoprene (juvenile hormone mimic) regulated enhancer at the foraging locus. International Conference of Undergraduate Research. Baruch College: Baruch College, CUNY.
Lee, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, September 27). Do Juvenile Hormone Mimics Regulate Microcephaly Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. International Conference of Undergraduate Research. Baruch College: Baruch College, CUNY.
Tang, B., Calero, R., Guarino, A., Schiro, B., & Spokony, R. F. (2017, October 28). Crystal cell variation across the DGRP lines. 50th Annual Fall MACUB Conference. New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Spokony, R. F. (2017, November 15). Variation in Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity in Natural Insect Populations. Biology Department Seminar Series. New York, NY: Yeshiva University.
Jones, D., Niewiadomska-Cimcka, A., Sapa, A., Colvard, C., Spokony, R. F., & Jones, G. (2016, April 1). Role of the Terpenoid Hormone Methyl Farnesoate and Receptor Ultraspiracle (RXR) in Generation of the Epidermal Cuticular Barrier in Drosophila melanogaster. Endocrinology 2016. Boston, MA: Endocrine Society.
Mishra, K., & Spokony, R. F. (2016, April 16). Survey of Developmental Effects of Cabut Overexpression. Sense to Synapse 2016. Rockefeller University: Rockefeller University.
Colero, R., & Spokony, R. F. (2016, October 29). Production of Melanotic Tumors in Drosophila as a Results of Juvenile Hormone Mimic Treatment. 49th Annual Fall MACUB Conference. SUNY Old Westbury, NY: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Spokony, R. F. (2016, February 9). Genome-wide mapping of hormone-sensitive hormone receptor binding sites in Drosophila melanogaster. Fly Eye Club. Mount Sinai: NYU/HHMI.
Spokony, R. F. (2016, March 11). . Research in the Classroom Workshop. John Jay College, CUNY: CUNY Central.
Sarder, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2016, October 29). Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity of an Enhancer Region on the Foraging Gene. 49th Annual Fall MACUB Conference. SUNY Old Westbury, NY: Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Spokony, R. F. (2015, March 4). Mapping methoprene sensitive Methoprene-Tolerant DNA binding sites in Drosophila melanogaster. 2015 Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Chicago, IL: Genetics Society of America.
Paetkau, D., Braverman, J., Burg, M., DiAngelo, J., Jones, C., Jones, K., Kadlec, L., Kokan, N., Manier, H., Nagengast, A., Sanford, J., Saville, K., Small, C., Spokony, R. F., Stamm, J., Ting, C., Wawersik, M., Zhou, L., Leung, W., Shaffer, C. D., & Elgin, S. R. (2015, March 6). The Genomics Education Partnership: Assessing and Improving a Research-Based Genomics Project for Undergraduates. 2015 Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Chicago, IL: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F., Arthur, R., Brown, C. D., Victorsen, A., Moran, J. R., Kirkey, M., Gersh, J., & White, K. P. (2015, July 15). Genome-wide mapping of hormone-sensitive Methoprene-tolerant binding sites in Drosophila melanogaster. The Second International Insect Hormone Workshop. Crete, Greece: Karlson Foundation, The Company of Biologists.
Spokony, R. F. (2015, July 27). Course Based Genome-Wide Association Study on Hormone Sensitivity in Drosophila. Genomics Education Partnership Alumni Faculty Workshops. Washington University, St. Louis: National Science Foundation.
Rene, S., & Spokony, R. F. (2015, November 7). Rescuing Juvenile Hormone Receptor Mutants with a Receptor Tagged with Green Fluorescent Protein. Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB) 48th Annual Conference. Montclair State University: MACUB.
Sarder, M., & Spokony, R. F. (2015, November 7). The Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity of an Enhancer Region on the Foraging Gene. Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB) 48th Annual Conference. Montclair State University: MACUB.
Spokony, R. F. (2015, November 6). Natural Variation in Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity. Vassar Biology Department Seminar Series. Poughkeepsie, NY: Vassar College.
Chanut-Delalande, H., Hashimoto, Y., Pelissier-Monier, A., Spokony, R. F., Dib, A., Bohere, J., Latapie, Y., Valenti, P., Polesello, C., Moussian, B., White, K. P., Plaza, S., Kageyama, Y., & Payre, F. (2014, March 27). Pri peptides mediate ecdysone developmental timing for epidermal morphogenesis.. 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego, CA: Genetics Society of America.
Ma, L., Slattery, M., Negre, N., Arthur, R., Spokony, R. F., Ostapenko, S., Ptashkin, R., Zieba, J., & White, K. P. (2014, March 26). The chromatin state-dependent TRL binding conservation in Drosophila species. 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego, CA: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2014, November 19). Juvenile Hormone Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Queens College Seminar Series. Queens College: Biology Department.
Jones, G., Jones, D., Teal, P., Sapa, A., Bil-Lula, I., Wozniak, M., Spokony, R. F., Jadczak1, S., & Fagel, J. (2014, June 23). Participation of the Drosophila Homolog of ROR in RXR-Mediated Epidermal Morphogenesis. 16th International Congress of Endocrinology. Chicago, IL: The Endocrine Society.
Spokony, R. F., Robert, A., Brown, C. D., Bild, N., Zieba, J., Slattery, M., Cohen, J., & White, K. P. (2014, June 12). Genome-wide Ecdysone Receptor binding changes after exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene. Arthropod Genomics Symposium. Champaign-Urbana IL: Institute for Genomic Biology UI, Arthropod Genomics Center KSU, Eck Inst for Global Health Notre Dame.
Dunbar, D., Arora, G., Arrigo, C., Paliulis, L., Spokony, R. F., Wawersik, M., Wolyniak, M., Shaffer, C. D., Leung, W., Lopatto, D., & Elgin, S. C. (2014, March 31). The Genomics Education Partnership: Implementing a Research-Based Genomics Project for Undergraduates. Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences Meeting. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: CUREnet.
Arthur, R., Ma, L., Slattery, M., Spokony, R. F., Ostapenko, A., Negre, N., & White, K. P. (2014, March 28). Evolution of H3K27me3-marked chromatin in Drosophila is linked to patterns of gene duplication and diversification. 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. San Diego, CA: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2013, April 30). Genome-wide Ecdysone Receptor binding changes after exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene. 54th Annual Drosophila Conference. Washington, D.C.: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F., & White, K. P. (2013, July 22). Genome-wide Ecdysone Receptor binding changes after exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic methoprene. International (19th Ecdysone) Insect Hormone Workshop. Minneapolis, MN
Spokony, R. F. (2013, October 24). Hormonal Regulation of Metamorphosis. Weissman Brown Bag. Baruch College: Weissman School of Arts and Sciences Baruch College.
Spokony, R. F. (2013, October 10). Hormonal Regulation of Development. Baruch College BioMed Club. Baruch College: Baruch College Department of Natural Sciences.
Spokony, R. F. (2012, April 30). Building a community resource of GFP tagged Drosophila melanogaster transcription factors. 53rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Chicago, IL: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2011, March 31). Ecdysone receptor (EcR) binding sites through Drosophila melanogaster development. 52nd Annual Drosophila Conference. San Diego, C.A.: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2010, September 30). ChIP-chip and ChIP-seq of GFP tagged proteins: A case study of Ecdysone Receptor throughout Drosophila melanogaster development. Dresden, Germany: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cellular Biology and Genetics.
Spokony, R. F. (2009, October 31). ChIP-Chip of tagged Drosophila melanogaster transcription factors. Molecular Biosciences Retreat. Galena, I.L.: University of Chicago.
Spokony, R. F. (2005, March 31). Broad Complex (BRC) functions in ring gland development. 46th Annual Drosophila Conference. San Diego, C.A.: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2004, March 31). Broad Complex (BRC): Function, Expression and Evolution. 45th Annual Drosophila Conference. Chicago, IL: Genetics Society of America.
Spokony, R. F. (2004, March 31). Broad Complex (BRC): Function, Expression and Evolution. 45th Annual Drosophila Conference. Chicago, IL: Genetics Society of America.
Research Currently in Progess
Rene, S., Spokony, R. F., Arthur, R., Brown, C., Victorsen, A., Moran, J., Kirkey, M., Gersh, J., & White, K.(n.d.). Characterizing hormone sensitive DNA binding targets of Methoprene-tolerant. In Progress.
Characterizing the genome-wide DNA binding targets of the juvenile hormone receptor, Methoprene-tolerant. Baruch Honors Student, Stephanie Rene, applied for an received an LSAMP award to conduct research in my laboratory. She validated that the EGFP tagged version of Met that we used in the ChIP-seq experiments is functional. Methoprene-Tolerant (Met) is one of two paralogous juvenile hormone (JH) receptors in Drosophila melanogaster. Its mode of molecular action is still largely unknown. Using recombineering of a 110 kb BAC genomic fragment, we made a line expressing EGFP tagged MET regulated by its endogenous cis-genomic region (including 30 kb upstream of the Met promoter.) We used this line to examine where MET binds during mid-prepual development, when JH titer is normally low. Then we measured the change in MET binding after exposure to the JH mimic (JHM) methoprene. 1322 MET binding sites were sensitive to a four hour methoprene treatment at WPP. We mapped the changing MET binding sites to the nearest upstream and downstream promoters, 1495 different genes. 16% of these genes show changes in expression after JHM application. For genes near increasing MET, the top Gene Ontology (GO) category (using ProfCom at the BioProfiling.de web portal) is “Open Tracheal System Development” (p
Spokony, R. F., Sarder, M., Arthur, R., Brown, C., Barr, K., Moran, J., Bild, N., Zieba, J., Cohen, J., & White, K.(n.d.). Cross talk between the Ecdysone and Juvenile Hormone Pathways. In Progress.
Drosophila melanogaster development is controlled by two main hormones, ecdysone and juvenile hormone (JH). Ecdysone controls developmental transitions and acts primarily through a heterodimer of twonuclear receptors, Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle (USP). Juvenile hormone controls the type of transitions and acts through two bHLHproteins, Methoprene-tolerant (MET) and Germ cell-expressed (gce). In the presence of JH, MET has been shown to bind Taiman (TAI) and FTZ-F1,two nuclear receptors also involved in the ecdysone pathway. Ectopic juvenile hormone and its mimics can disrupt normal ecdysone mediated processes and is used as an insecticide. Known ecdysone mediated process that are disrupted include polytene puffing and morphogenesis of the central nervous system and salivary glands. D. melanogaster is most sensitive to ectopic juvenile hormone at the larval to prepupal transition (pupariation). We exposed white prepupae (WPP) to the juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene at WPP for 4-5 hours. Using ChIP-seq,we characterized EcR binding sites in the absence and presence of methoprene. Using 100 bp windows, there are 186 locations with 4-fold moreEcR binding after exposure to methoprene and 825 locations with 4-fold less EcR binding after exposure to methoprene. Differential binding was found at many JH targets’ loci, such as Eip75B, ftz-f1, Kr-h1, and tai, as well as differentially expressed genes under ectopic JH or methoprene exposure. Since JHM has been shown to reduce EcR expression, we characterized the JHM sensitivity of 5 putative enhancers bound by more EcRafter treatment. All of the enhancers drove reporter expression in a tissue specic, JHM-sensitive way. Additionally, expression changes after mutating the EcR binding motif(s) in each enhancer. In 4/5 cases, JHM sensitivity is lost or reversed after EcR binding motif mutation. We are further exploring the role of EcR at these enhancers by examining reporter expression after EcR knockdown with RNAi.
Daryani, S., & Spokony, R. F.(n.d.). Discovering the role of TAIMAN in the juvenile hormone pathway. In Progress.
Baruch Honors Thesis: Testing over and under expressing a nuclear receptor cofactor, TAIMAN, on sensitivity to ectopic juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene.First place winner for Natural Sciences poster at Baruch College Creative Inquiry Day 2015.
Pranger, R., Spokony, R. F., Arthur, R., & Slattery, M.(n.d.). Discovery and Validation of Mushroom Body Selector Genes. In Progress.
By examining active and repressed chromatin state in dissected Drosophila melanogaster tissues, we found a class of genes that appear to be highly regulated in a tissue specific manner. We suspect that these genes are critical for the development for these tissues. We are testing the role of 5 genes in the growth and development of the mushroom bodies, the brain center for learning and memory in insects.
Mishra, K., & Spokony, R. F.(n.d.). Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel Histology Bank . In Progress.
Generate archival histological samples of an internationally used collection of Drosophila melanogaster to characterize natural variation in normal development. This collection of flies is used to perform Genome-Wide Association Studies for a variety of traits by researchers around the world. This project will allow us to examine morphologenesis defects caused by juvenile hormone mimic exposure, to complement our studies on external morphological defects. We have sectioned and stained pharate adults of 16 genotypes, thus far.
Spokony, R. F., Barton, L., & Lehmann, R.(n.d.). Examinig the roles of juvenile hormone degradation enzymes in Drosophila melanogaster development. In Progress.
Collaboration with Lacy Barton and Ruth Lehmann to examine the roles of juvenile hormone esterases (jhe) and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolases (jheh) across the Drosophila melanogaster lifecyle. Juvenile hormone is an important developmental regulator in insects. The enzymes that break it down are important for juvenile hormone regulation. Dr. Barton generated new mutant strains lacking either all jhes or all jhehs. We are currently examining a variety of life history traits to determine if juvenile hormone titers are disrupted in these mutants.
Spokony, R. F.(n.d.). Expression differences between melanotic tumor forming and resistant lines. In Progress.
Developmental transitions in Drosophila melanogaster are controlled by two major hormones, ecdysone and juvenile hormone (JH). In the absence of JH, metamorphosis proceeds, larval tissues undergo reorganization and adult tissues are formed. Exposure to JH or JH mimics (JHM) at developmental time points normally devoid of JH leads to a variety of defects. We discovered that JHM exposure, during late larval development, leads to the formation of melanotic tumors in the caudal fat body. Although JHMs have not been shown to form melanotic tumors in these tissues in previously examined genetic backgrounds, altered hormone levels have been shown to disrupt fat body morphogenetic changes. As the next step towards identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor formation, we propose to determine the gene expression differences between hormone-resistant and tumor-forming fat body. The Drosophila fat body produces, stores and releases metabolites as necessary throughout the life cycle. Larval fat body development is controlled by two hormones, ecdysone (Cherbas, Hu, Zhimulev, Belyaeva, & Cherbas, 2003) and juvenile hormone (Liu et al., 2009). Ecdysone induces the fat body to disassociate and undergo autophagy. Juvenile hormone represses fat body disassociation and autophagy during larval development, in the presence of molt inducing ecdysone. Absence of juvenile hormone during early third instar leads to premature fat body disassociation and programmed cell death. We hypothesize that ectopic juvenile hormone exposure leads to inhibition of fat body disassociation. Interestingly, a tumorigenic mutant strain, tuw, containing large tumors of caudal fat body melanized by hemocytes has been described (Rizki, 1960). Tumor formation was inhibited in larvae whose hormone producing organs (both ecdysone and juvenile hormone producing glands) were ligated away from the fat body, supporting the idea that melanotic tumorigenesis is hormone dependent. My laboratory is currently examining the variation in JHM sensitivity across the 205 whole-genome sequenced, naturally caught, isogenized Drosophila lines in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel(Mackay, 2014; Mackay et al., 2012). We have found natural variation in JHM response. In addition to finding variation in the well-established JHM phenotypes, such as eclosion rate and male genitalia rotation rate (Postlethwait, 1974), we discovered that exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic (JHM) methoprene, at the start of metamorphosis can lead to melanotic tumors. Melanotic tumors appeared in 11% of the 37 genetic backgrounds examined, thus far. After quantifying the JHM sensitivity across all of the isolines, we will perform a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to locate genes in the juvenile hormone pathway. Hypotheses: 1: JHM treatment changes gene expression in the fat body. 2: During normal fat body development, gene expression in the fat body of stocks that form melanotic tumors following JHM treatment is different than gene expression in the fat body of stocks that do not form melanotic tumors. 3: Following JHM treatment, gene expression in the fat body of stocks that form melanotic tumors is different than gene expression in the fat body of stocks that do not form melanotic tumors. 4: Polymorphisms associated with melanotic tumor formation will be located near genes differentially expressed in the tumor forming stock. We have generated RNA-seq data for fat bodies of control and methoprene treated wandering third instars from a tumor forming and non-tumor forming DGRP line.
Yeung, E., Migunova, E., & Spokony, R. F.(n.d.). Genetic Architecture of Hormone Sensitivity. In Progress.
GWAS study on natural variation in sensitivity to juvenile hormone. Research Objectives: Organisms have the ability to adjust their physiology in response to environmental conditions. Many insects have an extreme version of plasticity called polyphenism, in which they exhibit new body parts in response to nutritional status or crowding. These alternative morphologies are often controlled by a small molecule called juvenile hormone(JH). Despite acting at a systems-level, only certain tissues respond to temporal changes in JH titer. We aim to elucidate the genetic basis of JH sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster and use this as a model for the developmental control of polyphenisms in hexapoda. First, we will demonstrate the range of natural variation in hormone sensitivity(Specific Aim 1). Second, we will perform a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) to determine the genetic architecture of this phenotypic variation (Specific Aim 2). Third, we will establish the role of candidate genes harboring polymorphisms (Specific Aim 3). Rationale:Many insect taxa exhibit polyphenisms, alternative morphologies influenced by environmental conditions (Nijhout, 2003; Simpson, Sword, & Lo, 2011). A change in JH titer often promotes the development of alternative morphologies (Rajakumar et al., 2012). JH is a small molecule that also controls normal development and adult reproduction. A long-standing question in the field is the manner in which a system-wide signal controls tissue specific responses, particularly at developmental times when it has more than one role (Restifo & Wilson, 1998). This study will define a set of genes that mediate tissue-specific hormone sensitivity. The wealth of genomic tools available makes Drosophila ideal for this study. There are collections of wild-caught, whole-genome sequenced flies from multiple locations around the world (Langley et al., 2012; T. F. C. Mackay et al., 2012; Pool et al., 2012). The Drosophila melanogaster genome is extremely well annotated due to a long history of well-mapped mutants (for example (Bellen et al., 2004)), transcript sequencing (Graveley et al., 2011) and large-scale ChIP-seq experiments on transcription factor binding sites and chromatin states (Boyle et al., 2014; Slattery et al., 2014). Additionally, there are enough data about tissue specific gene expression to predict tissue specific gene function (Marbach et al., 2012). Drosophila is also the workhorse species for functional genomics. There is a wealth of knowledge about the developmental roles of many genes and there are an immense number of genetic tools for targeted misexpression of any gene in any tissue, often during discrete developmental stages (Dietzl et al., 2007; Ni et al., 2008). JH sensitivity is tissue specific across hexapoda. For instance, in ants, an extra pulse of JH during metamorphosis leads to the growth of wing primordia (wing discs) and eventual wings in queens, while no wings develop in workers (Rajakumar et al., 2012). In Drosophila, some tissues are sensitive to an extra pulse of JH; male genital rotation is interrupted and adult eclosion fails when larvae are exposed to JH or its chemical analogs (Postlethwait, 1974; Riddiford & Ashburner, 1991). However, most external tissues develop normally. The genetic basis of this tissue specific sensitivity remains unknown (Restifo & Wilson, 1998). This question is also open in other metazoa. My laboratory is well positioned to answer this question in Drosophila. With a simple treatment and a simple assay, we can assess JH sensitivity across multiple tissues simultaneously. Using existing genome-wide data, we can determine the underlying genetic bases of system-wide and tissue-specific hormone sensitivity. Finally, we can test the roles for candidate genes and gene networks in mediating hormone sensitivity in vivo.Our long-term goal is to identify the components of the JH pathway capable of promoting tissue-specific effects, particularly those that are conserved across taxa. The project is the next step in research that I have been pursuing for twelve years. I initially studied the Broad Complex(BRC) locus in Drosophila. Ectopic JH mimic methoprene (JHM) exposure phenocopies central nervous system (CNS) defects in certain BRC mutants (Restifo & Wilson, 1998). We characterized the expression patterns and temporal requirements for each of the different BRC isoforms in the CNS, which contain alternatively-spliced DNA-binding domains (Spokony & Restifo, 2007, 2009). These isoforms are expressed in a temporally defined manner; we found that the BRC isoform that acts last in the CNS is required during the time when sensitivity to JH is diminished, suggesting that this final switch in isoforms abundance reduces sensitivity. As part of the modENCODE project, we characterized genome-wide DNA-binding sites of the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) and its main partner, Ultraspiracle (USP), during metamorphosis (Slattery et al., 2014), identifying many new ecdysone targets (Chanut-Delalande et al., 2014). Most recently, we examined genome-wide JHM-sensitivity in DNA-binding sites for the JH-receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met), the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and their shared bHLH PAS protein cofactor Taiman (TAI) (Spokony, Arthur and White, in prep). DNA-binding of all three proteins is sensitive to JHM treatment, consistent with cross-talk between the hormone signals. The results from the experiments proposed below will define functional roles for hormone-sensitive transcription factor binding-sites discovered previously. We will use the sets of system-wide and tissue-specific JH target genes from this project to predict tissue specific regulators of JH action. In the future, we plan to define genes involved in differences in JH sensitivity across Drosophila populations by repeating this experiment using the Drosophila Population Genomics Project (DPGP) collection, an independently collected group of Drosophila isolines. We would also like to examine the phenotypes of internal tissues such as CNSfor differences in sensitivity. Eventually, the genes that lead to differences in CNS development, without leading to a failure to eclose, will be tested for their ability to alter behavior.
Sarder, M., Morris, N., & Spokony, R. F.(n.d.). Role of AEF1 in inhibiting metamorphosis. In Progress.
Genetic analysis of the role of AEF1 in inhibiting the transition to adulthood too early in development.
| Title | Funding Agency Sponsor | Start Date | End Date | Awarded Date | Total Funding | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile hormone induced gene expression changes in larval fat bodies | PSC-CUNY 50 | 07/01/2019 | 12/31/2022 | 04/15/2019 | 3500 | Completed |
| ABI Sustaining: The REDfly database of transcriptional regulatory elements | University of Buffalo | 09/01/2018 | 08/31/2021 | 12/12/2018 | 64964 | Completed |
| Determining a Role for Broad in Lymph Gland Metamorphosis | PSC-CUNY 49 | 07/01/2018 | 12/31/2019 | 04/15/2018 | 3499.97 | Completed |
| RUI: Genetic Architecture of Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity | National Science Foundation | 01/15/2016 | 12/31/2019 | 12/28/2015 | 230106 | Completed |
| Determining the Tissue of Origin of Hormonally Induced Melanotic Tumors | PSC-CUNY 47 | 07/01/2016 | 06/30/2017 | 04/15/2016 | 3500 | Completed |
| Repressing Adulthood During Larval Development: Determining the Role AEF1 | PSC-CUNY 45 | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2015 | 04/15/2014 | 3500 | Completed |
| Metabolic regulation of the juvenile hormone pathway | PSC CUNY 53 | 07/01/2022 | 12/31/2023 | 04/15/2022 | 3500 | Funded - In Progress |
| RUI: Genetic Architecture of Juvenile Hormone Sensitivity | National Science Foundation | 01/15/2016 | 12/31/2020 | 10000 | Work Discontinued |
| Honor / Award | Organization Sponsor | Date Received | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weissman Teaching Award | Weissman School of Arts and Sciences | 2016 | |
| Functional and Evolutionary Genomics IGERT Fellowship | National Science Foundation | 2003 | Training grant awarded to the University of Arizona for Graduate Student stipends to study genomics. |
| Insect Science Travel Award | University of Arizona | 2003 | Travel money to attend and present graduate work at an international scientific meeting. |
| Analysis of Biological Diversification RTG Small Grant | University of Arizona | 2002 | Research funds to study gene duplication and evolution. |
| Insect Science IDP Fellowship | Center for Insect Science | 2000 | Fellowship for graduate tuition and stipend. |
| Empire State Public Employees Scholarship | NYS Employees Union | 1994 | Four year scholarship for college based on academic rigor and achievement in high school. |
College
| Committee Name | Position Role | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Faculty Mentors | Faculty Mentor | Present | |
| Natural Sciences Professional Degree Recommendation Letters | Committee Member | Present | |
| Natural Sciences Undergraduate Travel Award | Committee Chair | Present | |
| Natural Sciences Departmental Retreat | Committee Chair | Present | |
| BioMed Club | Faculty Advisor | Present | |
| ENV Scholarship Panel | Committee Member | Present | |
| Weissman Diversity Equity and Inclusion Alliance | Committee Member | Present | |
| Creative Inquiry Day | Committee Member | Present | |
| Honors Faculty Advisory Committee | Committee Member | Present | |
| Committee on Undergraduate Honors Theses | Committee Member | Present | |
| New Faculty Orientation | Scholarship Panelist | Present | |
| Honors Admissions Committee | Committee Member | 1/30/2019 | |
| Laboratory Tours with BioMed Club | Presentor | 9/26/2018 | |
| Search Committee for Anatomy Faculty Member | Committee Member | 6/15/2018 | |
| Search Committee for Environmental Science Faculty Member | Committee Member | 3/13/2018 | |
| Zicklin Faculty Meetings | Weissman Liaison to Zicklin Faculty Meetings | 5/31/2017 | |
| Search Committee for Cell and Molecular Biologist | Committee Member | 6/30/2015 | |
| Sigma Alpha Delta | Attendee, Meeting | 11/18/2014 | |
| Student Majors Fair | Presentor | 10/22/2013 |
University
| Committee Name | Position Role | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSC-CUNY Cycle 52 Biology and Earth Sciences Review | Grant Proposal Reviewer, Internal | 1/1/2021 | Present |
| CUNY Community College Grant Proposal Reviewer | Grant Proposal Reviewer, Internal | 11/1/2017 | Present |
| CUNY College Now | Host | 7/1/2017 | 8/31/2018 |
| CUNY Graduate Center Science Orientation | Faculty presentor | 8/24/2017 | 8/24/2018 |
| Graduate School Open House/Visiting Day | Faculty Presentor | 3/15/2018 | |
| Grading First Level Exams | Committee Member | 7/15/2017 | 8/15/2017 |
| Doctoral Student Research Grant Application Review Panel | Committee Member | 2/6/2015 | 2/23/2016 |
| CUNY Graduate Center Open House | Attendee, Meeting | 3/4/2014 |
Professional
| Organization | Position Role | Organization State | Organization Country | Start Date | End Date | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genomics Education Partnership | Regional Node (NY/NJ) Leader | New York | 8/1/2021 | Present | ||
| Journal of Experimental Biology | Reviewer, Journal Article | 1/14/2020 | Present | |||
| Insect Molecular Biology | Reviewer, Journal Article | 9/1/2019 | Present | |||
| G3: Genes Genomes Genetics | Reviewer, Journal Article | 8/1/2019 | Present | |||
| Genomics Education Partnership Science and Technology Committee | Committee Member | 8/1/2019 | Present | |||
| microPublication | Reviewer, Journal Article | California | United States | 6/1/2024 | Present | International |
| National Science Foundation | Reviewer, Grant Proposal | D.C. | United States | 3/30/2016 | Present | |
| Genetics | Reviewer, Journal Article | 4/1/2019 | Present | |||
| Genomics Education Partnership | Workshop Organizer | Alabama | United States | 6/1/2022 | 9/23/2022 | Regional |
| Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB) | Poster Judge for Regional Undergraduate Research Conference | New Jersey | United States | 11/7/2015 | 10/29/2017 | |
| Genetics Society of America | Workshop Organizer | Florida | United States | 4/1/2016 | 4/1/2017 | |
| Vision Learning | Reviewer, Online Teaching Resource | New York | United States | 12/20/2014 | 1/20/2015 |
Public
| Organization | Position Role | Organization State | Organization Country | Start Date | End Date | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TERRA New York City STEM Fair | Judge | New York | United States | 3/23/2024 | Present | State |
| National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions NYC LAN Meeting | Attendee, Meeting | New York | United States | 3/22/2024 | 3/22/2024 | State |