09/23/2026
Tomorrow, Yasir Al-Zubaidy will be hosting his public MS.c. Exit seminar in KN130 at 2:10pm. Please join us in wishing him the best of luck! ✨
PI: Ted Erclik
Title: Broader Implications of Imp-Syp Temporal Patterning for Neuronal Diversity in the Drosophila Visual System
Abstract: The adult Drosophila medulla, a neuropil of the optic lobe that processes visual information, contains >150 distinct neuronal types generated from neuroblasts in the larval outer proliferation center (OPC). Medulla neuronal diversity arises through spatial and temporal patterning. Spatial patterning divides OPC progenitors into 12 compartments, while temporal patterning defines 11 successive windows in neuroblasts as they age. Recently, a second temporal mechanism has been identified in which opposing gradients of the RNA-binding proteins Imp and Syp pattern neuroblasts according to when they are generated. However, to date, Imp-Syp patterning has only been functionally demonstrated within the Vsx1-Hth spatial-temporal intersection. Here, I demonstrate Imp-Syp patterning extends to a second spatial-temporal intersection, Vsx1-Ey. I show that Vsx1-Ey neuroblasts generate eight neuronal types that are born in successive developmental windows, consistent with a role for Imp-Syp patterning. Furthermore, I show that Syp is required for the specification of a late-born Vsx1-Ey-derived neuron, LPi3-4. Taken together, my findings demonstrate Imp-Syp patterning plays a broad role in generating medulla neuronal diversity.
Good luck, Yasir!
