Authors:

Rachel M Rivera

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About Paper:

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling plays crucial roles in diverse biological processes, including bone formation, tissue regeneration, and it has been identified as a major contributor in developmental biology. In Danio rerio (zebrafish), the BMP pathway is essential for establishing the dorsoventral axis during early embryogenesis. While many molecules within this pathway are known, the mechanisms by which they attenuate noise remain undefined. This research investigates noise attenuation and recovery using optogenetic control of BMP receptors during zebrafish embryonic dorsoventral patterning. We will employ light-induced dimerization of LOV domains fused to intracellular regions of BMP receptors. This optogenetic approach will enable us to have control over cellular differentiation and explore the complexity of systems in a reversible manner. Our primary tool for data collection will be light sheet imaging, which will allow us to visualize pSmad protein gradients under various conditions and the necessary data will be quantified from the images with computational collaboration. We anticipate observing increased pSmad activity corresponding to a greater number of signaling complexes, induced by the optogenetic activation of receptors. Light sheet imaging will also be used to monitor the embryo's recovery following optogenetic stimulation, providing insights into pSmad dephosphorylation rates under different light conditions. Data will be collected from both wild-type and optogenetically controlled embryos to compare pSmad levels. Future directions include quantifying images obtained from the light sheet and the data will contribute to analyzing noise origins in the BMP pathway, ultimately enhancing our understanding of this fundamental developmental process. Keywords: Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signaling; Danio rerio (Zebrafish); Optogenetic Control; Light Sheet Imaging; pSmad Protein

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Rachel M Rivera