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The precise spatial and temporal control of gene expression patterns is fundamental for the development and homeostasis of all multicellular animals. When these control mechanisms are disrupted during development, cells may lose their specific identities, the ability to control their divisions, and their physical relationships with neighboring cells and tissues. Transcriptional repression is the most commonly used molecular mechanism for creating the localized patterns of gene expression that are critical for development. The Nibu lab focuses on understanding how patterning of both the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the early Drosophila embryo is controlled by corepressors, CtBP and Drap1. Recent evidence indicates that impaired or ectopically gained CtBP-mediated repression can lead to a spectrum of disorders including birth defects and cancer.