Characterization of the developmental mechanisms ensuring a robust symmetrical growth in the bilateral model organism Drosophila melanogaster

ended

The overarching objective of the proposed project is to find how and when organs asses their growth status and which mechanisms are deployed to ensure fine size adjustment during normal animal development. As a model system, I will study the symmetrical growth of D. melanogaster, where the signaling hormone Dilp8 has been described as a central player to ensure developmental stability. However, Dilp8 regulation and mechanism of action remain elusive, providing an unprecedented framework to inquiry about the general phenomenon of growth adjustment. I will study when Dilp8 is required and in which organ it is produced during normal development. Also, I will identify signaling pathways regulating Dilp8 expression and the downstream effectors required for its action. This project will allow me to define for the first time how a systemic signal is activated and functions to adjust symmetrical growth in a bilateral model organism. The new concepts introduced by my investigation may help to better understand the pathophysiology of childhood growth disorders, as well as the growth disturbances observed in cancer survivors.