University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Mechanisms of regulation of sloppy-paired genes in the temporal patterning program of optic lobe medulla neuroblasts in drosophila

Ray, Alokananda

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115581

Description

Title
Mechanisms of regulation of sloppy-paired genes in the temporal patterning program of optic lobe medulla neuroblasts in drosophila
Author(s)
Ray, Alokananda
Issue Date
2022-04-21
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Li, Xin
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Li, Xin
Committee Member(s)
  • Chen, Jie
  • Smith-Bolton, Rachel
  • Raetzman, Lori
Department of Study
Cell & Developmental Biology
Discipline
Cell and Developmental Biology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Temporal patterning
  • optic lobe development
  • neuroblasts
  • Drosophila
Abstract
The generation of various neurons, each with specialized functional roles, from a small initial pool of neural stem cells presents a challenge for developing brains in higher animals. Temporal patterning, whereby neural stem cells specify distinct fates in their progeny in a birth-order dependent manner, is a crucial mechanism for achieving neural diversity and is conserved across species from fruit flies to mammals. However, detailed molecular mechanisms underlying temporal patterning are not entirely understood. In the work described in the following chapters, I have characterized the regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of temporal patterning transcription factors Sloppy-paired 1 (Slp1) and Sloppy-paired 2 (Slp2) in optic lobe medulla neuroblasts in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. I have demonstrated that at transcription, Slp1 and Slp2 are regulated by at least two cis-regulatory elements that function additively and drive expressions of these two genes in the pattern observed in medulla neuroblasts. I also showed that the Notch signaling pathway and the cell cycle contribute to the regulation of Slp1 and Slp2 protein expressions in this context. Together these results provide greater insight into how disparate cellular processes such as the cell cycle and signaling pathways such as Notch and temporal patterning interact to achieve precise developmental outcomes.
Graduation Semester
2022-05
Type of Resource
Thesis
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2022 Alokananda Ray

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