Furthermore, changes in DNA replication programs, chromatin structure, general stability of mRNA, and transcription accompany the slowing of the cell cycle. This remodeling of fundamental cell behaviors is precisely coordinated with onset of gastrulation and pattern formation, yet we know little of the regulation of these events. Several of the projects in the laboratory explore the features of the early cell cycles and the mechanisms that coordinate these cycles with other cellular and developmental events. The response triggered by hypoxia influences survival in these organisms and has important health consequences in humans because of the importance of hypoxia to the injury associated with stroke and heart attack and the importance of oxygen supply to tumor growth. We found that Drosophila tolerates prolonged and severe hypoxia.
Hypoxia elicits new behaviors and arrests both development and the cell cycle.
Drosophila provides a powerful model system in which to investigate the mechanisms of the adaptations to hypoxia.