Selective mtDNA transmission in Drosophila melanogaster
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Genetics
Abstract
Theme: World-Class Underpinning Bioscience
There is genetic variation among mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) within most individuals. Different variants can be selectively transmitted during development and across generations. The outcome of selection impacts the progression of mitochondrial diseases if certain variants are pathogenic. The nuclear genome is known to influence this selection process, but how is unknown. To investigate the mechanism, I use an approach based on a Drosophila melanogaster line which stably transmits two competing mitochondrial genomes over generations. This involves the production of a Drosophila cell line which also stably maintains both mitochondrial genomes and which I use for a whole-genome RNAi screen to investigate which nuclear genes affect selective mtDNA transmission in cell culture. To investigate therapeutic applications, the cells will also be used for a drug screen.
To complement the cell-based approach, effects at the organismal level are studied with a fly deficiency screen.
There is genetic variation among mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) within most individuals. Different variants can be selectively transmitted during development and across generations. The outcome of selection impacts the progression of mitochondrial diseases if certain variants are pathogenic. The nuclear genome is known to influence this selection process, but how is unknown. To investigate the mechanism, I use an approach based on a Drosophila melanogaster line which stably transmits two competing mitochondrial genomes over generations. This involves the production of a Drosophila cell line which also stably maintains both mitochondrial genomes and which I use for a whole-genome RNAi screen to investigate which nuclear genes affect selective mtDNA transmission in cell culture. To investigate therapeutic applications, the cells will also be used for a drug screen.
To complement the cell-based approach, effects at the organismal level are studied with a fly deficiency screen.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Eleanor McCartney (Student) |
Publications
Chiang AC
(2019)
A Genome-wide Screen Reveals that Reducing Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase Can Promote Elimination of Deleterious Mitochondrial Mutations.
in Current biology : CB
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1943886 | Studentship | BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2017 | 30/12/2021 | Eleanor McCartney |
| NE/W503204/1 | 31/03/2021 | 30/03/2022 | |||
| 1943886 | Studentship | NE/W503204/1 | 30/09/2017 | 30/12/2021 | Eleanor McCartney |
| Description | 2.4 Junior Scientist Conference Grant |
| Amount | £660 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Genetics Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2019 |
| End | 03/2019 |