Using genome engineering to reinvestigate the range of Wnt signalling
| Dates: | 11 March 2014 |
|---|
| Times: | 15:30 - 17:00 |
|---|
| What is it: | Seminar |
|---|
| Organiser: | Faculty of Life Sciences |
|---|
| Who is it for: | University staff, Current University students |
|---|
| Speaker: | Jean Paul Vincent |
|---|
|
This seminar is part of the Fly Club Seminar Series.
Jean-Paul Vincent
http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/research/jean-paul-vincent/
National Institute for Medical Research
Throughout his career, Jean Paul has made important contributions to the field of Developmental Biology, in particular the topics of signalling and pattern formation. His latest publication, just published in Nature (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v505/n7482/full/nature12879.html), has stirred up an important debate in the field by challenging the generally accepted notion that morphogens, in particular Wnts, need to spread out from an organising centre to control growth and patterning (see also: http://amapress.gen.cam.ac.uk/?p=1191).
Abstract:
A small number of signalling molecules orchestrate growth and cell fate decisions during development. We use techniques of genome engineering and cell biology to investigate the mechanisms that control the production, spread and activity of one signal, Wingless (the main Drosophila member of the Wnt family). We recently found that flies develop and grow ‘Using genome engineering to re-investigate the range of Wnt signalling' almost normally following replacement of the endogenous wingless coding region with a cDNA encoding a membrane-tethered form. This is surprising because Wingless has been thought as an archetypical morphogen, particularly in wing progenitors. Two processes contribute to obviating the need for Wingless to spread. First, the target tissue produces its own supply of Wingless during the early period of growth and patterning. Later, after local expression terminates, the expression of key Wingless target genes persists by a mechanism akin to cellular memory. We are currently determining the molecular basis of cellular memory. Although Wingless release is not essential, it does occur. I will describe evidence that Wingless release contributes to growth in both an organ-autonomous and organism-wide manner.
Hosted by the Fly Club committee
All Welcome
Speaker
Jean Paul Vincent
Organisation: NIMR
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Lecture Theatre
Michael Smith Building
Manchester
