Keywords

Gtpase, cross talk, wing veins

Abstract

The Ras superfamily of GTPases are important regulators of morphogenesis involved in control of cytoskeletal dynamics, intracellular trafficking, apical-basal polarity and cell migration. Mis-regulation of GTPase signaling interferes with development and is linked to pathogenesis. Traditionally, GTPase signaling has been depicted as a series of independent linear pathways. However, recently it has become apparent that multiple GTPases can interact to regulate a single cellular process, functioning in poorly understood networks of cross talk between pathways during development. Jim Fristrom (unpublished data) identified a mutation (18-5) that interacts with components of the GTPases Rho1, Rala, and Cdc42 signaling in multiple developmental contexts. Genetic analysis, physical mapping studies, and sequencing of the mutant allele have indicated that the gene was an allele of GEFmeso (CG30115), which encodes guanine nucleotide exchange factor. To show that 18-5 is an allele of GEFmeso, I demonstrated that a GEFmeso transgene could functionally rescue developmental defects associated with the 18-5 mutation. I also investigated cross talk and network variation in signaling interactions between GEFmeso and other GTPase signaling components in the Drosophila wing. My data provide evidence for microenvironment-dependent variation in GTPase signaling networks in specific domains of the wing, and reveal intercellular variation in GTPase signaling within an otherwise uniform epithelium.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2012

Semester

Spring

Advisor

von Kalm, Laurence

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Biology

Degree Program

Biology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004252

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004252

Language

English

Release Date

May 2013

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences, Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Included in

Biology Commons

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