Genetic Approaches to the Study of Epithelial Function in Drosophila melanogaster

Kelly, David Christopher (1996) Genetic Approaches to the Study of Epithelial Function in Drosophila melanogaster. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The goal of a complete and integrated genetical, biochemical and physiological understanding of a model epithelium is still some way from completion. In this study, the Malpighian tubule of Drosophila melanogaster is proposed and tested as a candidate for whole organ in vivo studies. Firstly, current genetic technologies are harnessed in an attempt to allow expression of any transgene specifically in Malpighian tubules using an endogenous promoter sequence. This sequence does induce expression of a reporter gene in Drosophila, though the expression pattern within tubules is different to that expected. Secondly, the GAL4/UAS binary expression system of Drosophila is used to express a human serotonin receptor gene in Malpighian tubules to investigate the possibility of manipulation of the pharmacology of Malpighian tubule cells. Supply of the agonist to tubules expressing the receptor results in a measureable change in levels of an intracellular second messenger molecule. Lastly, the mechanism of fluid secretion in Malpighian tubules is investigated genetically. A cDNA with sequence homology to water channel gene sequences is cloned from an adult Drosophila cDNA library, and this cDNA is mapped to 47F9-16 of chromosome 2R. Analysis of P-element containing fly lines and lines bearing deletions in this region of chromosome two reveal a line with enhancer detection in Malpighian tubules, and two lines hemizygous for gene sequences. The study demonstrates that the Malpighian tubule from Drosophila melanogaster is an accessible and versatile model system which is amenable to genetic, biochemical and physiological analysis.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: Julian Dow
• Keywords: Genetics
• Date of Award: 1996
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1996-75580
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 19:23
• Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 19:23
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75580