The Spatio-Temporal Role of Dpp in Regulating Growth (360G-Wellcome-105382_Z_14_Z)

One of the main questions still puzzling developmental biologists today is how morphogens direct the patterning and growth of different tissues. To address this question, I plan to study the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/4 (BMP2/4)-like ligand Decapentaplegic (Dpp) in Drosophila melanogaster. In the wing imaginal disc, Dpp is secreted from a stripe of cells that is located at the boundary between the anterior (A) and posterior (P) compartments and is thought to form a ong-range signalling gradient. In turn, this gradient regulates the activation of target genes that correctly position wing veins along the AP axis. Many studies have focused on unravelling the mechanism by which Dpp patterns the wing imaginal disc and how this signalling feeds into growth. However, the function of Dpp in regulating growth and proliferation still remains unclear. I will use a conditional allele to genetically remove Dpp from the wing disc at different developmental time points and assess the effect on wing disc growth. My long-term plans include finding a novel way to modulate Dpp signalling (i.e. through optogenetic techniques). By doing this, I hope to gain insight into how morphogens provide cells with positional information in a developing organ.