# Physical principles of early Drosophila embryogenesis

> **NIH NIH R35** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $445,833

## Abstract

Abstract
During embryonic development each body part is programmed to contain an accurate number and arrangement
of cells. This accuracy is achieved through precise integration of cell proliferation with other morphogenetic
programs. The overarching goal of this proposal is to reveal the physical principles that ensure accurate control
of the cell cycle and morphogenesis during Drosophila embryonic development. We will investigate how the
integration of the cell cycle oscillator and cytoskeleton leads to generation of the forces that drive nuclear
positioning. We will investigate how cytoplasmic flows are generated by cortical actomyosin contractions to
reveal novel and quantitative insights on the physical properties of the cytoplasm. Using several biosensors for
the main kinases driving the cell cycle, we will study how these activities are integrated to ensure proper cell
cycle control. We will also elucidate how transcriptional regulation of cdc25string ensures precise regulation of the
timing of mitosis during gastrulation. Specifically, we will dissect the mechanisms controlling mitotic domains on
the dorsal side of the embryos, where they are directly linked to the dynamic of the Decapentaplegic (Dpp)
morphogen gradients. Collectively, our experiments will define a quantitative framework elucidating how the cell
cycle and morphogenesis are regulated accurately during embryonic development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10842573
- **Project number:** 1R35GM153490-01
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Stefano Di Talia
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $445,833
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-01 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10842573

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10842573, Physical principles of early Drosophila embryogenesis (1R35GM153490-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10842573. Licensed CC0.

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