Maria Fitian

Abstract:

The cytoskeleton plays integral roles in cell migration, division, and morphogenesis during development. However, our understanding of cytoskeletal regulation in vivo remains limited compared to in cellulo. Here, we aim to characterize the role of the cytoskeletal component, septin, as its exact function and mechanism are largely unknown. To do this, we are depleting septin regulatory genes by performing a targeted RNAi screen of ~9 genes using an M-lineage specific worm strain. Mutations that impact SM cell migration, division, and/or differentiation can lead to lower egg counts that are quantifiable at the plate level. We used brood size as a proxy for egg-laying ability, hypothesizing that reduced brood sizes likely indicate defects in SM development.