Genes required for compartment boundary formation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Christian Dahmann
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2008 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 97358905

The subdivision of tissues into non-intermingling sets of cells termed compartments is an evolutionary conserved strategy in animal development to pattern tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms which cells use to sort out from one another at compartment boundaries are not understood. The aim of this proposal is to identify these molecular mechanisms. We propose to identify molecules required for the segregation of cells at compartment boundaries through a large-scale RNA interference based screen. The anterior-posterior compartment boundary of the developing Drosophila wing will be used as a model system. This approach takes advantage of the recent availability of validated transgenic RNA interference lines targeting more than 90% of all genes in this model organism. To conduct the screen, we have developed, and validated, a novel assay. This assay combines rapid and faithful analysis of cell segregation at the anterior-posterior compartment boundary with the option to knock-down gene function by RNA interference. This project promises not only to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying the formation of the anteriorposterior compartment boundary in Drosophila, but will also shed light on the fundamental mechanisms which cells use to physically organize themselves within tissues.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants