Contribution of gene expression dynamics to BMP directed cell fate decisions (360G-Wellcome-109328_Z_15_A)
The Drosophila embryo undergoes a series of pattern-forming events that shape its body plan during embryogenesis. A bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling gradient is crucial for accurate dorsal patterning. However, it is poorly understood how gene expression timing contributes to the patterning of specific cell fates. This project aims to determine how the dynamics of mRNA accumulation and translational efficiency influence cell fate decisions. We will use the Drosophila embryo as a model and focus on amnioserosa and epidermal cell fates, which are specified by BMP signalling. I will combine live imaging and single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization to characterize the mRNA accumulation dynamics and mRNA processing efficiency for key BMP target genes, pannier, u-shaped and hindsight. The experimental approaches will provide single cell resolution data and reveal changes relative to the cell’s position within the expression domain. The translation timing of the pannier, u-shaped and hindsight mRNAs will also be visualised using live imaging. The effect on cell fate and robustness of dorsal patterning will be determined following perturbation of the dynamics of mRNA accumulation and translation. Our results will provide new insights into the regulation of gene expression, with imprecise regulation leading to developmental defects and disease.
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