The Center and its members are engaged in interdisciplinary approaches aimed at understanding the molecular basis of development and human heredity, with emphasis on questions in developmental biology, gene regulation, and signal transduction.  The Center thereby functions as an interface between basic science and clinical applications.  By combining analysis in simpler model systems with those in mouse and humans, the Center's research enhances our understanding of human development, cancer, and genetically-based human diseases.  Through the use of molecular genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, CMG members address central issues in cell regulation and inherited genetic disorders.  Members of the Center are asked to participate in Center activities including fund-raising, planning symposia and seminar programs, and policy making.