A fascinating biological phenomenon in which cells grow and divide despite a context and history that should prevent proliferation is the regeneration of damaged tissues. Various organisms and tissues are capable of regenerating, and some tissues such as frog limbs and fruit fly larvae lose their ability to regenerate over time. Therefore, these organisms contain genes that can overcome a cell's normal program and induce cell division, and genes that can prevent this cell cycle progression. The work proposed here is designed to identify genes that regulate regenerative growth. First, an assay system will be developed through which regeneration in Drosophila may be studied genetically. Second, genetic screens will be conducted to isolate mutations that affect regenerative growth after tissue ablation. Third, the genes and proteins that control this process will be identified and characterized. Genes that regulate regenerative growth may also regulate the progression of cancers. The identification of genes that specifically regulate cell division during regeneration and cancer progression may provide unique therapeutic targets.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM072252-01
Application #
6835318
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Tompkins, Laurie
Project Start
2004-09-01
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$42,976
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Berkeley
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
124726725
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94704
Smith-Bolton, Rachel K; Worley, Melanie I; Kanda, Hiroshi et al. (2009) Regenerative growth in Drosophila imaginal discs is regulated by Wingless and Myc. Dev Cell 16:797-809