Hime Lab ~ Project 1

Identification of molecules that regulate stem cell division.

Investigators:

Dr. Nicole Siddall (Rm E632, 8344-5790)

Dr Gary Hime (Rm E719, 8344-5796)

What controls stem cell behaviour?

How do stem cells interact with neighbouring tissues?

How can fruit flies assist reproductive technology?

Caption: A rosette of germline stem cells highlighted by staining with anti-Vasa.

Regenerating tissues, such as blood, skin, intestinal epithelium and spermatozoa, require a population of proliferating, undifferentiated cells to continually provide new tissue precursor cells. This cell population, termed stem cells, must be able to divide in an asymmetric manner to replace themselves and provide cells committed to differentiation. The study of these cells is hampered by the small numbers of stem cells that exist in any given tissue. The regulation of stem cell division most probably relies upon communication from neighbouring cells. Thus we need to be able to identify stem cell / stromal cell relationships and the signal that pass between them.

In the apical region of the Drosophila testis we are fortunate to have a population of stem cells where the identity of stem cells and surrounding cells can be simply identified. We have isolated molecular markers for all cells in the testis apical region. We also have available a system for driving expression of genes in the stem cells.

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TBA Projects are available within the following areas:

•  Using transgenic approaches to express components of signalling pathways in the testis stem cells to observe effects upon stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

•  We will also use immunohistochemistry to identify if signalling genes are expressed in cell populations in the testis apical tip.

•  The accessory gland that connects to the vas deferens has similarities to the mammalian prostate gland. This project will involve an examination of genes that are expressed in the accessory gland and an investigation of the gland structure.

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TBA References:

Fuller, MT. (1998) Genetic control of cell proliferation and differentiation in Drosophila spermatogenesis. Seminars Cell Dev. Biol. 9:433-444