Regulated mRNA Stability in Drosophila Development
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Wei, Niranjan Mahesan
Primary Institution: School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Is the process of morphogen generation a passive one, or is the stability of the mRNA regulated by active processes?
Conclusion
The study provides strong support for the hypothesis that the stability of bicoid mRNA is actively regulated during Drosophila embryonic development.
Supporting Evidence
- The model suggests that bicoid mRNA is stable for the first two hours of development and then rapidly degrades.
- Parameter estimation showed that the decay onset time inferred from data coincides well with experimental observations.
- The study is the first in-silico research to incorporate a mechanism of developmental regulation for morphogen gradients.
Takeaway
This study shows that the way bicoid mRNA behaves in Drosophila embryos is controlled, not just left to happen by itself, which helps the embryo develop properly.
Methodology
The study used computational models to analyze the stability of bicoid mRNA and its effects on morphogen propagation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website