Elucidating Dynamics of Germline Stem Cell Niche Formation during Embryogenesis in B. Schlosseri

The segregation of germline and somatic cell lineages is essential for establishing fertility and preventing developmental disease, yet our understanding of these regulatory mechanisms in early stages of embryonic development is limited. Botryllus schlosseri, a chordate capable of sexual and asexual reproduction, provides unique access to dynamic stem cell behaviors and embryonic development in vivo. During embryogenesis, I aim to study highly conserved and upregulated genes, potential functions these genes entail, and the spatial expression of these genes both within the embryo and in somatic support cells. This work will shed light on the mechanisms that drive stem cell migration.