Research Project: Investigating interactions between multiple gene regulatory networks during ant development
Abstract
Description
Development proceeds primarily by the regulated expression of genes encoding transcription factors or RNA binding, transport of mRNAs and proteins, microRNAs, other non-coding genes, signaling ligands, receptors, and other components of cell signaling pathways. In Camponotus ants containing endosymbionts the host and endosymbiont gene regulatory networks interact with each other and the endosymbiont selectively regulates hox genes and germline genes. These interactions occur in the context of early development, where multiple intersecting pathways and networks define the axes, cell types, and germ layers of the embryo. In this context, hox genes, germline genes, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway genes play pivotal roles, with hox genes specifying segment identity, germline genes being essential for the formation and specification of germ cells, and BMP pathway genes contributing to signaling pathways for tissue differentiation. Therefore, understanding the interactions between Hox genes, germline genes, and BMP genes is crucial for elucidating the regulatory networks that govern embryonic development. In this project, we propose to investigate the specific intersection of BMP signaling with other pathways within these networks. Using a combination of gene function and expression analysis techniques, we will analyze the expression profiles of hox, germline, and BMP genes in response to the knockdown of their expression in specifically chosen stages. We will knock down key BMP genes by using RNAi and assay the responses of several hox and germline genes by Reverse Transciptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Our findings will help generate a map of the significant interactions between these genes, highlighting their coordinated regulation during embryogenesis. The results provide insights into how these gene networks integrate to control developmental processes and suggest potential regulatory overlaps between axis formation and germline development.
Keywords
Yaşam Bilimleri, Moleküler Biyoloji ve Genetik, Temel Bilimler, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Natural Sciences, Temel Bilimler (Sci), Yaşam Bilimleri (Life), Doğa Bilimleri Genel, Moleküler Biyoloji Ve Genetik, Çok Disiplinli Bilimler, Natural Sciences (Sci), Life Sciences (Life), Natural Sciences General, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Multidisciplinary Sciences, Moleküler Biyoloji, Multidisipliner, Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary