Formation of the Drosophila salivary gland

The project is divided into three aims. Aim 1 focuses on understanding how Fkh collaborates with Sage and Senseless (Sens) transcription factors to regulate the expression of the salivary gland "secretome," challenging the proposed pioneering function of Fkh. Aim 2 seeks to identify and characterize partner salivary gland transcription factors and downstream effectors that mediate FoxA-driven morphological transformations, specifically the transition from two-dimensional primordia to three-dimensional internalized epithelial secretory organs. Aim 3 involves characterizing three Fkh morphogenetic targets that coordinate the abundance, localization, and activities of non-muscle Myosin II and the sub-apical transmembrane protein Crumbs, and determining the contribution of newly discovered morphogenetic players to overall tissue architecture.