Molecular mechanisms of oocyte development in Drosophila Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Successful gamete production and survival of offspring in humans and invertebrates depends on optimal nutrition. The molecular mechanisms connecting gamete production with nutritional cues, however, remain unclear. Steroid hormones, via specific nuclear receptors, are diet-induced signals that promote germ cell development. Our long-term goal is to characterize how ovarian cells respond to steroid hormone signaling. Our undergraduate-powered research team uses the genetically tractable Drosophila ovary to monitor germ cell development in vivo in response to dietary and hormonal cues. The steroid hormone ecdysone has long been recognized for its role in oocyte development. Previous studies, however, have been unable to disentangle the multitude of effects of the steroid hormone, precluding identification of relevant molecular mechanisms. Our lab has developed novel reagents to specifically isolate germ cell autonomous reception of ecdysone signaling independent of its other roles. Building on our previous studies, our team of undergraduates and Master's students will test the hypothesis that ecdysone signaling through the receptor EcR autonomously in germ cells promotes an undifferentiated germ cell fate in germline stem cells, and follicle assembly in differentiated germ cells. In Aims 1 and 2, we will use live and fixed cell imaging, transcriptomics, and novel genetic tools to determine the transcriptional response to EcR in undifferentiated germ cells. In Aim 3, we will use novel transcriptional reporters to test in vivo how ecdysone signaling in germ cells promotes follicle formation and survival. Results from these experiments will further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which steroid signaling promotes oocyte growth and survival, which have long been under-explored. Furthermore, this proposal will continue to support infrastructure at a large, regional, rural, public university, using a very approachable model system to provide high-impact biomedical research experiences to first-generation and minority undergraduates in a supportive training environment.

date/time interval

  • December 2023 - December 2024