ncpeters

In short, I study how flat monolayer sheets of epithelial cells coordinate movement and shape change to form 3-dimensional structures such as tubes. My lab utilizes the flat monolayer of follicle cells that encase developing oocytes in female Drosophila melanogaster as our model. During oogenesis, or female gamete formation, these follicle cells undergo patterning to establish distinct populations of follicle cells with different morphogenic fates. Two dorso-lateral patches of follicle cells coordinate movement and shape change to form a pair of dorsal appendage breathing tubes that facilitate gas exchange after the oocyte is fertilized and the egg is laid. We study the genes that coordinate the morphogenesis of these dorsal appendages.