The long term objective of this project is to understand the process of pattern formation during Drosophila head development. The proposed work will focus on the role of the orthodenticle (otd) homeobox gene in the formation of embryonic and adult head structures. In the analysis of embryonic development, we will investigate the regulation of otd expression by the maternal morphogen bicoid in the early blastoderm. We will also examine the interactions between otd and other zygotic genes required for embryonic head development. In studying the process of adult head formation, the mechanism by which otd expression is targeted to a specific imaginal disc domain will be determined. In addition, the interaction of otd with other genes (both previously identified and novel) involved in specifying cell fate during the development of the ocelli (simple eyes) will be elucidated. Using a combination of molecular, genetic, and cellular approaches, the proposed experiments are intended to investigate the role of the otd gene during pattern formation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM047985-04
Application #
2185419
Study Section
Genetics Study Section (GEN)
Project Start
1992-08-01
Project End
1997-07-31
Budget Start
1995-08-01
Budget End
1996-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104