Date Thesis Awarded
5-2024
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only
Degree Name
Bachelors of Science (BS)
Department
Biology
Advisor
Matthew Wawersik
Committee Members
Oliver Kerscher
Margaret Saha
Mainak Patel
Abstract
Stem cells have important functions in tissue development and maintenance, including the reproductive system. Germline and somatic gonadal stem cells are crucial for organogenesis, gamete production, and fertility, with a complex system of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating their self-renewal or differentiation. Here, we investigate expression and function of the novel gene, CG11180, also known as Childless Gambino(Chigno), in adult and developing Drosophila ovaries. Using transgenic Chigno::EGFP flies, we examine the specific cell types which express Chigno. To further elucidate its function, Chigno RNAi knockdown in the adult ovarian soma and germline is conducted. Specifically, we investigate the impact of somatic Chigno knockdown on cell morphogenesis, stem cell self-renewal/differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In addition, we also investigate the impact of germline Chigno knockdown in larval and pupal ovaries. Together, these data comprehensively establish Chigno’s role in Drosophila ovarian stem cell regulation and cell fate determination. This provides intriguing insights for future research on Chigno’s human homolog, PINX1, in the human reproductive system; enabling this work to have important implications for human reproductive health and stem cell regulation beyond Drosophila.
Recommended Citation
Yang, Cheng, "The Expression and Function of CG11180/Chigno in Adult and Developing Drosophila Ovaries" (2024). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 2163.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/2163
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