Western Kentucky University
Exploring the Contributions of V-type ATPase to Drosophila melanogaster Wing Development
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Sophomore
Institution 23-24
Western Kentucky University
KY House District #
5
KY Senate District #
21
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Ajay Srivastava, PhD MBA
Department
Department of Biology
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, has been a crucial model organism in biology due to its genetic malleability and short lifespan. This study aimed to explore the role of V-type ATPases in the development of Drosophila wings, building upon the history of Drosophila research. V-type ATPases are proton pumps involved in various cellular processes, and their specific functions in wing development remain poorly understood. The Gal4/UAS system, a powerful tool in Drosophila research, was used to downregulate V-type ATPases through RNA interference (RNAi). Fly stocks were cultured and crossed, and the phenotypes of the progeny were analyzed through dissections and imaging. The results showed that the downregulation of V-type ATPase subunit 16 (VHA-16) led to significant phenotypic abnormalities in the wings of the progeny. Different Gal4 driver stocks resulted in distinct phenotypes, including smaller wings, wing deformities, and larval or pupal stage lethality. These findings suggest that V-type ATPases play a crucial role in normal wing development in Drosophila melanogaster. Additional crosses incubated at room temperature and antibody staining using immunohistochemical techniques must be performed for further and more in depth analysis of the role of V-type ATPases’ roles in wing development.
Exploring the Contributions of V-type ATPase to Drosophila melanogaster Wing Development
Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, has been a crucial model organism in biology due to its genetic malleability and short lifespan. This study aimed to explore the role of V-type ATPases in the development of Drosophila wings, building upon the history of Drosophila research. V-type ATPases are proton pumps involved in various cellular processes, and their specific functions in wing development remain poorly understood. The Gal4/UAS system, a powerful tool in Drosophila research, was used to downregulate V-type ATPases through RNA interference (RNAi). Fly stocks were cultured and crossed, and the phenotypes of the progeny were analyzed through dissections and imaging. The results showed that the downregulation of V-type ATPase subunit 16 (VHA-16) led to significant phenotypic abnormalities in the wings of the progeny. Different Gal4 driver stocks resulted in distinct phenotypes, including smaller wings, wing deformities, and larval or pupal stage lethality. These findings suggest that V-type ATPases play a crucial role in normal wing development in Drosophila melanogaster. Additional crosses incubated at room temperature and antibody staining using immunohistochemical techniques must be performed for further and more in depth analysis of the role of V-type ATPases’ roles in wing development.