  We present preliminary results of an extensive study of the fundamental
properties of dwarf elliptical galaxies (dEs) in the Coma cluster. Our study
will combine HST surface photometry with ground-based UBRIJK photometry and
optical spectroscopy. The combined data set will be used to investigate the
intrinsic correlations among global parameters in cluster dEs, including the
Fundamental Plane, the color-magnitude relation, the Faber-Jackson and Kormendy
relation, and velocity dispersion versus line strength indices. These empirical
correlations have provided important constraints to theoretical models of
galaxy formation and evolution for "normal" elliptical galaxies. Although dEs
are the most abundant galaxy population in clusters their properties remain,
however, largely unknown. Our study aims to provide an essential reference for
testing current theories on the formation and evolution of dEs in clusters, and
understanding their relation to more massive elliptical galaxies.
