Research in Drosophila melanogaster has made significant contributions to our understanding of both the mechanistic basis of immunity and the ecological and evolutionary factors contributing to phenotypic variation in immune system function. However, research into the molecular mechanisms of immunity has tended to neglect factors contributing to phenotypic variation in immune function, while research focused on the factors contributing to phenotypic variation has been compromised by an incomplete understanding of its genetic basis. Phenotypic changes may arise in responses to environmental changes (phenotypic plasticity) or due to changes in the genotype. The main goal of the proposed research is to examine changes in gene expression contributing to environmental and genetic improvements in the antimicrobial immune response in Drosophila melanogaster. The availability of the complete Drosophila genome, along with micro-chip gene arrays, allowing genome-wide analysis of gene expression, will provide an unprecedented examination of the genetic basis of improvements in immune function and the potential costs associated with these improvements. Results will contribute to understanding the mechanistic basis of insect immune function, the evolution of inducible defense, the maintenance of susceptibility to infectious disease, and to the link between the genotype and the phenotype. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM068376-01
Application #
6649079
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Wolfe, Paul B
Project Start
2003-08-01
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2003-08-01
Budget End
2004-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$41,608
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
872612445
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850