Joshua Saul Rose Hills
Identification of Novel Genes Involved in Regeneration in Drosophila Using a Newly Developed Ablation System
Many organisms have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues; however, this potential decreases as the organism ages. Using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, I will perform a screen to identify genes that are involved in up-regulating or down-regulating regeneration in damaged tissues as the organism ages. To conduct this screen, we have developed a new genetic ablation system that allows us to damage wing tissue in the developing fly at precise timings, as well as to express or knockdown any gene of interest in the damaged tissue. By scoring the adults for wing size and shape, we can determine if the gene of interest that we expressed helped to increase or inhibit regeneration in response to damage. By screening a wide array of genes, I will be able to identify novel genes involved in regeneration, which will help in our understanding of the process of regeneration as a whole.
Message To Sponsor
Being selected as a SURF/Rose Hills fellow is a great honor for me. It will allow me to continue my research this summer, as well as give me the opportunity to conduct my own project that will serve as the basis of my senior thesis. It will give me the chance to grow as a scientist and gain valuable insight into the process of scientific research, which will help me in my future academic endeavors. This fellowship is truly a great opportunity that will allow me to work towards my goals of graduate studies while also doing something I love.