Mechanisms of regulation of sloppy-paired genes in the temporal patterning program of optic lobe medulla neuroblasts in drosophila

The generation of various neurons, each with specialized functional roles, from a small initial pool of neural stem cells presents a challenge for developing brains in higher animals. Temporal patterning, whereby neural stem cells specify distinct fates in their progeny in a birth-order dependent manner, is a crucial mechanism for achieving neural diversity and is conserved across species from fruit flies to mammals. However, detailed molecular mechanisms underlying temporal patterning are not entirely understood. In the work described in the following chapters, I have characterized the regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of temporal patterning transcription factors Sloppy-paired 1 (Slp1) and Sloppy-paired 2 (Slp2) in optic lobe medulla neuroblasts in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. I have demonstrated that at transcription, Slp1 and Slp2 are regulated by at least two cis-regulatory elements that function additively and drive expressions of these two genes in the pattern observed in medulla neuroblasts. I also showed that the Notch signaling pathway and the cell cycle contribute to the regulation of Slp1 and Slp2 protein expressions in this context. Together these results provide greater insight into how disparate cellular processes such as the cell cycle and signaling pathways such as Notch and temporal patterning interact to achieve precise developmental outcomes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Cell and Developmental Biology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Ray, Alokananda

Contributors dc:contributor

• Li, Xin
• Chen, Jie
• Smith-Bolton, Rachel
• Raetzman, Lori

• Temporal patterning
• optic lobe development
• neuroblasts
• Drosophila

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Alokananda Ray

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115581

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F115581