Oogenesis is a critical stage-setting process for the entire zygotic development phase, as much pattern is laid down maternally.  Oogenesis is tightly regulated by nutritional inputs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely obscure. 

The Drummond-Barbosa laboratory studies this question using molecular, genetic and cell biological approaches in Drosophila.  We have described the ovarian response to diet in detail and shown that this process requires the insulin pathway and a-endosulfine, a potential regulator of insulin secretion.  The role of nutritional inputs and insulin signaling in oogenesis has been conserved through evolution; however, such crucial coupling of nutrition and ovarian function requires multiple signals. 

The Drummond-Barbosa lab is currently investigating how insulin and alpha-endosulfine control ovarian function, and pursuing both candidate-based and unbiased approaches to identify additional signals regulating the ovarian response to nutrition.

 

For more information about Dr. Drummond-Barbosa visit her Vanderbilt Faculty Page