Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Organs are functional units of cells that perform specific tasks within an organism. An important question in the study of embryological development is how distinct cell types migrate, change shape and interact in a coordinated manner to form an organ. In my laboratory we use Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living roundworm, with its powerful tools of genetics and live-imaging to study organ development. In particular, we study how the salivary gland cells of the worm's foregut use interactions with other cells of the foregut to form their elongated shape. Our research will combine multiple individual cellular interactions in space and time to form a 4-dimensional model of organ development. When compared to cell culture studies, this approach will provide a perspective of organ development that more closely models its true complexity. Small morphogenic changes in early organ development can impact final organ structure and, therefore, can provide a mechanism for the evolution of organ function and structure. The powerful tool of C. elegans genetics will identify the molecular pathways that are the driving force behind this change. The long-term goal of the research is to apply these basic findings to the development of the highly specialized foregut of the plant-parasitic nematodes, i.e., the agriculturally relevant Potato Cyst Nematode. Essential to my research program is the ability to generate transgenic animals. During the generation of transgenic nematodes, the DNA of genes required for salivary gland development is reintroduced into the animal. Modification of a gene's sequence is used to probe the function of that gene. C. elegans as a model organism also offers the power of genetic screens to identify mutations in important but uncharacterized genes regulating salivary gland development. Genetic screens and transgenic strain husbandry require a high-magnification fluorescent stereomicroscope. Defining changes in subcelluar structure require microscopes with high magnification objectives. The generation of transgenic animals requires a microinjection system. The requested equipment is essential for the advancement of my research program and the training of students in advanced microscopy and microtechniques.