Identification and Characterization of Genes that Regulate Morphogenesis

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After fertilization the egg starts to divide to form a ball of cells. How does this amorphous ball of cells form into a worm, fly or even a human being? This fascinating developmental process is called morphogenesis-the change in shape and form. In contrast to other developmental processes such as cell division and pattern formation, our knowledge about the genetic and molecular control of morphogenesis is lacking. My lab's long-term goals are to understand the molecules that regulate the behaviour of cells as they change their shape and migrate to different locations to generate their three-dimensional form of an organism. We use the genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to study simple examples of cell shape changes and movements. We have created C. elegans transgenic worms that allows the visualization of tissue specific cell movements and cell shape changes in living worms. My research proposal uses state of the microscopy combined with the awesome power of C. elegans genetics to understand morphogenetic movements. I have developed novel genetic screens that will identify genes that are required for cell movements during morphogenesis. These genes will be cloned and characterized using genetic, molecular biology and biochemical techniques. In particular, we are interested in a new gene that encodes a kinesin like motor protein that is required for proper epidermal morphogenesis. My proposal is novel as these mutagenesis screens have increased sensitivity, which allow me to identify genes that would have been missed in past screens. This proposal will directly benefit at least 3 graduate students and several undergraduate students. The results obtained will contribute to the basic scientific knowledge of cell biology which has a wide variety of academic and industrial applications.