Developmental characteristics of a novel cell type in the larval midgut of Drosophila melanogaster
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Jason Scott Presnell (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Dennis LaJeunesse
Abstract: In the Drosophila larval midgut, the development pathways associated with the specialized cell types found in the middle midgut region have been well characterized. In this region determination between the cell types is dependent on differential signaling of two signaling molecules Wg and Dpp. This differential signaling from the mesoderm controls the specification of the underlying endoderm in the developing embryonic midgut. The homeotic gene lab is expressed and required for the formation of the copper cells in the middle midgut. In a recent study, a group of cells was discovered at the anterior and middle midgut junction region in 3rd instar larvae. These cells (LHCs) expressed GFP in UASCD8GFP;DJ752Gal4 larvae and also expressed the hormone DH31.
In my study, I performed an overexpression enhancer-promoter screen for genes that are involved with the development of the LHCs. I also carried out immunohistochemistry assays in mutant larvae to determine the extent known genes play in the development of the LHCs and neighboring MIP-expressing cells. In mutant larvae for wg, dpp, and lab, the morphology of the MIP-expressing cells was disrupted. The screen yielded 80 lines that produced a positive phenotype in the LHCs. I discuss three lines in further detail (sax, kis, fusl) and evaluate the possibilities of not just LHC development, but overall endocrine cell specification in the Drosophila larval midgut.
Developmental characteristics of a novel cell type in the larval midgut of Drosophila melanogaster
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Created on 5/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Drosophila, Midgut
- Subjects
- Drosophila melanogaster $x Development
- Drosophila melanogaster $x Genetics