National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 5R01DE013899-24

Formation of the Drosophila salivary gland

This award funds research on the role of the FoxA family transcription factor Fork head (Fkh) in Drosophila salivary gland development, focusing on gene regulation and organ morphogenesis.

Description

Studies in mammals have identified the FoxA family of regulatory proteins as among the most important in forming and maintaining internal organs during normal development and in preventing cancer and metabolic disease. The complexity of mammalian development and the redundant activities of the three mammalian FoxA proteins make it challenging to fully understand how these key proteins do their jobs. By focusing on the single family member in Drosophila and on a single relatively simple organ, we can begin to understand important details about how FoxA proteins control organ size, shape, position, and function. The project aims to investigate how Fkh (Fork head), the Drosophila orthologue of FoxA, works with other transcription factors to regulate salivary gland development and morphogenesis. The study will explore the molecular mechanisms by which FoxA proteins coordinate tissue-specific physiological functions and organ architecture.

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