Barry Thompson

Control of tissue growth in Drosophila

Tissues grow in a precisely controlled way to produce adult structures of the correct size. To achieve this, the growth and division of individual cells must be tightly regulated by intercellular signaling pathways that organise tissue development.

Several important signaling pathways that control size in Drosophila have been identified, including secreted morphogens (such as Wnt/Wingless and TGF-β/Decapentaplegic) and hormonal signals (such as Insulin-like peptides). Mis-regulation of these pathways can lead to tumour-like overgrowths in Drosophila and to cancer in humans.

We are conducting an in vivo genome-wide RNAi screen in the Drosophila wing to identify key molecules regulating tissue growth. We will combine genetics with cell biology to explore how these molecules act within systems that determine organ size.

See the Thompson Group website for further details.