MS Cell and Molecular Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

I am a member of the Harrison lab and we use Drosophila melanogaster to study the functions of Jak/Stat signaling. This signaling pathway has multiple functions in development, immunity, and gametogenesis. We have previously shown that males deficient in the ligand Upd3, while fertile and viable, become infertile at an earlier age than wild type males. Based on this observation I am attempting to determine the roles/targets of Jak/Stat signaling in reproductive aging, as well as other genes that may be required to maintain fertility during an individual's lifetime. Using the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP), I am performing a GWAS to identify genes with roles in reproductive aging.

We also have shown that females deficient in Upd3 have a higher frequency of unhatched eggs, due in part to an increased frequency of blocked micropyles. I have found that the anterior polar cells in upd3 mutants form extensions that miss the developing micropyle. I am currently characterizing the dynamics of the polar cell post Stage 10B and identifying their role in micropyle formation.