Bilder

Research Bio

David Bilder is a professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Affiliate, Division of Genetics and Development.  Research in his laboratory focuses on the biology of epithelia, the fundamental tissue of all animals and the major constituent of human organs.  They study the molecules and mechanisms that govern epithelial polarity, cell shape, and tissue morphogenesis, often using forward genetic screens in Drosophila as entry points.  They also seek to understand how epithelial organization promotes the proper control of organ growth, a surprising connection uncovered by our analysis of fly tumor suppressor genes that represents a general principle relevant to human cancer.  Finally, they use Drosophila cancer models as a simple system to understand how tumors actually kill their hosts.

Research Expertise and Interest

genetics, cancer, Drosophila, cell biology, cell polarity, tumor suppressor, epithelial architecture, polarity, proliferation control, tumor-host interaction, morphogenesis

In the News

Can fruit fly research help improve survival of cancer patients?

The experience of a fruit fly dying from cancer may seem worlds away from that of a human with a life-threatening tumor, yet University of California, Berkeley, researchers are finding commonalities between the two that could lead to ways to prolong the lives of cancer patients.

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent terms
2026 Spring

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology  [MCELLBI 230]  

  • Research Review in Cell and Developmental Biology: Regulation of Cell Polarity in Drosophila  [MCELLBI 239Q]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]  

  • Supervised Research: Biological Sciences  [UGIS 192C]  

2025 Fall

  • Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology  [MCELLBI 104]  

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Research Review in Cell and Developmental Biology: Regulation of Cell Polarity in Drosophila  [MCELLBI 239Q]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]  

  • Supervised Research: Biological Sciences  [UGIS 192C]  

2025 Spring

  • Supervised Independent Study and Research  [MCELLBI 199]  

  • Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology  [MCELLBI 230]  

  • Research Review in Cell and Developmental Biology: Regulation of Cell Polarity in Drosophila  [MCELLBI 239Q]  

  • Research  [MCELLBI 292]  

  • Supervised Independent Study  [MCELLBI 99]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196A]  

  • Honors Research  [MCELLBI H196B]  

  • Supervised Research: Biological Sciences  [UGIS 192C]