Defining the roles of prostaglandin signaling and Fascin in controlling nucleolar function and morphology during Drosophila oogenesis

Reproduction is one of the most critical yet complicated biological processes. For reproduction to occur properly, it requires the creation of high-quality haploid gametes that must come together, fuse, and develop to form viable offspring. If these gametes fail to be created, fuse, or develop into viable offspring, it can lead to infertility. Many diseases, including infertilities, are a result of dysfunction on the cellular level. In oogenesis, the process for producing female gametes, there are many cellular factors, hormonal signals, and other stimuli that must integrated overtime and throughout the body to create viable eggs and support growing embryos. My thesis project focuses on uncovering these cellular factors that are essential for high quality oocyte production and the maintenance of fertility.