Coordinated eye growth in sophisticated arthropod visual systems
Funded by the National Science Foundation – IOS-1856341
One of the most important features of any image-forming eye is correct focusing, which relies on tight coordination between the optical properties of the lens and the precise spacing between the lens and retina. Substantial data continue to become available on how such coordination is established in vertebrates. However, despite a wealth of developmental studies in invertebrate models such as Drosophila, some of the most basic questions concerning how eye components are coordinated in arthropods remain unanswered. This project primarily focuses on Sunburst Diving Beetles (Thermonectus marmoratus) as a particularly valuable system for analyzing these key factors because they can be manipulated on the molecular level and their larvae have extremely sophisticated eyes, the focus of which can be quantified. To test for the generality of the identified mechanisms, and in specific instances dissect them further, synergistic experiments are performed on the genetically powerful model Drosophila melanogaster. The eyes of both organisms are evaluated using amicro-ophthalmoscope that has recently been developed in the host laboratory. Preliminary findings suggest that diving beetle larval eyes and fly eyes are able to develop astonishingly precise focus in the absence of visual feedback. If confirmed, arthropod eyes could become an important general model for precisely tuned organ development that is easily assessable and can be manipulated at the molecular-genetic level. The execution of this project involves training of many undergraduate and graduate students, who will also actively participate in outreach activities. In addition, the project involves the development of synergistic teaching modules.
This page was added in 2019