Germ cell development in different animals: it is all in RNA-protein organelles
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Mathematics
Minor
Cell Biology, Chemistry
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Alexey L. Arkov, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Germ cells form very early during animal development and they eventually give rise to eggs and sperm and, therefore, next-generation individuals. These cells assemble large specific organelles referred to as germ granules, which are composed of RNA and proteins required for germline development. My research focuses on the mechanisms of the germ granule assembly in animals including insects such as the fruit fly Drosophila. These mechanisms are being characterized using immunohistochemistry methodology and super-resolution fluorescent microscopy imaging. In particular, protein components in the germ granules show distinct distribution patterns which may be directly relevant to the function of these proteins in germ cell development. Overall, our research provides structure-function insights into important classes of RNA-protein granules, which is likely to inform us on similar pathological structures associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Other (Please write in)
Other Scholars Week Event
Biology/Cell Biology/Genetics Oral Presentation Session
Germ cell development in different animals: it is all in RNA-protein organelles
Germ cells form very early during animal development and they eventually give rise to eggs and sperm and, therefore, next-generation individuals. These cells assemble large specific organelles referred to as germ granules, which are composed of RNA and proteins required for germline development. My research focuses on the mechanisms of the germ granule assembly in animals including insects such as the fruit fly Drosophila. These mechanisms are being characterized using immunohistochemistry methodology and super-resolution fluorescent microscopy imaging. In particular, protein components in the germ granules show distinct distribution patterns which may be directly relevant to the function of these proteins in germ cell development. Overall, our research provides structure-function insights into important classes of RNA-protein granules, which is likely to inform us on similar pathological structures associated with neurodegenerative diseases.