Jagunal Influences Cell Polarity During Neurogenesis Through Interactions with Cytoskeleton Factors
Frank Wu
Department of Biology
Faculty Supervisor: Blake Riggs
Asymmetric cell division is the mechanism in which stem cells gain the ability to differentiate into various cell types. The orientation, or polarity, of these asymmetrically dividing cells is critical to the development of fully functioning organisms, and it is established by the rotation of mitotic spindles during prometaphase. Jagunal is a known factor in rare developmental disorders, and studies have also shown that a loss of function can lead to difficulties in establishing cell polarity in developing embryos. However, the mechanism behind the influence of Jagunal on cell polarity is poorly understood. Here, we propose that Jagunal interacts with microtubules and actin filaments to influence cell polarity. Furthermore, factors like Mushroom body defect may be associated with Jagunal and aid spindle rotation. Using Drosophila melanogaster crossbreeding, embryo fixation, immunostaining, and microscopy techniques, we will determine if Jagunal presence and absence will influence the cytoskeleton and the trafficking of cell polarity determinants.