# GENETIC CONTROL OF MICROTUBULE FUNCTION IN DEVELOPMENT

> **NIH NIH R01** · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $250,520

## Abstract

The overall question which this research addresses is how the
information encoded in linear form in the genome is utilized to achieve
functional three-dimensional cellular substructure.  The proposed
research utilizes a molecular and genetic analysis of microtubule
function in Drosophila.  Microtubules are ubiquitous eukaryotic
organelles required for many cellular processes, including cell
division, mediation of cell shape, and motility of cilia and flagella.
The basic unit in microtubule assembly is the alpha, beta tubulin
heterodimer.  Higher eukaryotes express multiple tubulin isoforms which
are distinct but related proteins encoded in small multi-gene families.
In addition, other proteins, collectively termed microtubule-associated
proteins, are required for specific microtubule arrays.  Thus, each
microtubule-based structure is unique in architecture, mode of function,
and total spectrum of constitutent proteins.  This research addresses
the nature of the genetic controls which govern how cells utilize one
organelle, the microtubule, to form many morphologically and
functionally distinct structures.

The proposed experiments constitute genetic, biochemical, and molecular
analysis of the function of Drosophila beta-tubulins during development,
in differentiation of adult tissues, and in gametogenesis.  The specific
goals are: [1]Definition of the relationship between beta-tubulin
structure and function using genetic analysis of multiple microtubule
functions in the male germ line as a model system.  Specific beta
tubulin mutations and hybrid beta tubulin genes will be constructed and
introduced into the genome in order to examine the function of
particular beta tubulin domains and to test the hypothesis that
divergent beta-tubulin isoforms have restricted or specialized
properties. [2]Genetic, molecular, and developmental analysis of two
divergent developmentally-regulated beta tubulin isoforms, beta3-tubulin
and beta4-tubulin, to determine their specific roles in each of the cell
types in which they are expressed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2197354
- **Project number:** 5R01HD016739-12
- **Recipient organization:** TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YH86RTW2YVJ4
- **Principal Investigator:** ELIZABETH C. RAFF
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $250,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-09-01 → 1996-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2197354

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2197354, GENETIC CONTROL OF MICROTUBULE FUNCTION IN DEVELOPMENT (5R01HD016739-12). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2197354. Licensed CC0.

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