Faculty Profile

Richard P. Tucker
Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy
Cell Biology and Human Anatomy (School of Medicine)
3414 Tupper Hall
Office 752-0238
Lab 752-8769
rptucker@ucdavis.edu
[Picture of Richard P. Tucker]

Degrees:
1986 - PhD - University of California, Davis - Zoology
1981 - BPhil - Miami University Western College - Interdisciplinary Study
1980 - BA - Miami University - Zoology

Awards:
Gian Tondury Prize (Swiss Society for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology) 1989

Department and Center Affiliations:
Cell Biology and Human Anatomy

Professional Societies:
American Society for Cell Biology
Society for Developmental Biology
American Association of Anatomists
Histochemical Society

Grad Group Affiliations and Specialties:
Cell and Developmental Biology

Publications:
2009 Tucker, R.P. and R. Chiquet-Ehrismann. Evidence for the evolution of tenascin and fibronectin early in the chordate lineage. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 41:424-434.

2008 Meloty-Kapella, C.V., Degen, M., Chiquet-Ehrismann, R. and R.P. Tucker. The effects of tenascin-W on osteoblasts in vitro. Cell and Tissue Research (e-pub, November 2008), in press.

2008 Kenzelmann, D., Chiquet-Ehrismann, R., Leachman, N.T. and R.P. Tucker. Teneurin-1 is expressed in interconnected parts of the avian brain and is processed in vivo. BMC Developmental Biology 8:30.

2007 Tucker, R.P., D. Kenzelmann, A. Trzebiatowska and R. Chiquet-Ehrismann. Teneurins: Transmembrane proteins with fundamental roles in development. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 39:292-297.

2006 Tucker, R.P., K. Drabikowski, J.F. Hess, J. Ferralli, R. Chiquet-Ehrismann, and J.C. Adams. Phylogenetic analysis of the tenascin gene family: evidence of origin early in the chordate lineage. BMC Evolutionary Biology 6:60.

2006 Meloty-Kapella, C.V., M. Degen, R. Chiquet-Ehrismann and R.P. Tucker. Avian tenascin-W: Expression in smooth muscle and bone, and effects on calvarial cell spreading and adhesion in vitro. Developmental Dynamics 235:1532-1542.

2006 Tucker, R.P. and R. Chiquet-Ehrismann. Teneurins: a conserved family of transmembrane proteins involved in intercellular signaling during development. Developmental Biology 290:237-245.

Research Interests:
Our research focuses on the roles of the extracellular matrix during development, especially the functions of tenascins and thrombospondins. We are also characterizing the expression patterns and functions of a recently discovered family of transmembrane glycoproteins, the teneurins. The lab is using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, primary cell culture and the in vivo manipulation of gene expression with morpholinos to determine gene function.

Laboratory Personnel:
3441 Tupper Hall - Nathaniel Leachman

Teaching Interests:


Human anatomy and embryology, Cellular basis of morphogenesis, The history of the discovery of the structure of DNA, Cell biology techniques

Courses Taught:
CHA 400 Radiologic, Gross and Developmental Anatomy - Term(s): Fall
CHA 101 Human Anatomy - Term(s): Winter
FRS 002 Freshman Seminar - Term(s): Fall,Winter
MCB 252 The Cellular Basis of Morphogenesis - Term(s): Winter