Drosophila Ryks and their roles in axon and muscle guidance

Abstract

In the last decade it has become clear that a number of the molecular mechanisms that are required for proper navigation of axons in complex nervous systems are also employed to guide muscles to their appropriate attachment sites. Among the gene families that mediate these diverse processes is the Ryk family, the topic of this thesis. In different chapters we improve the understanding of the basic biological roles and operating mechanisms of Drosophila Ryks in the ventral nerve cord, a specific brain structure and musculature. Hopefully, this work will also contribute to future therapies for diseases in which these proteins are likely implicated such as cancer and poor regeneration after nervous system trauma.