Using the Fruit Fly as a Model System to Understand Human Genetics of Early Embryogenesis

Many human genes associated with diseases have their counterparts in the fruit fly Drosophila. Therefore, studying genetics of Drosophila is likely to provide insights into the genetic causes of human disorders. Our study focuses on the identification and analysis of novel genes governing early events of Drosophila embryo development. These events include synchronous divisions and migration of the nuclei inside the embryos and formation of primordial germline cells. During development these cells give rise to sperm and egg and therefore ensure continuity of the life cycle. We have isolated new mutants that affect germline development and are in the process of detailed characterization of the mutant genes. In addition, our data indicate that germline development has a unique metabolic profile and we study genes and genes’ products that are responsible for the unusual metabolism in the germline. Results of our study are likely to be medically relevant and may help to better understand human genetics and development