Katrina Focht

Signals beneath the ectoderm: Mesodermal FGF signaling keeps the dorsally closing epithelium in shape

The paper shows that mesodermal FGF signaling stabilizes the ectoderm during dorsal closure in Drosophila, revealing a reciprocal influence between mesoderm and ectoderm.

Transposable elements drive much of naturally occurring genetic lethality in Drosophila melanogaster

This study identifies transposable element insertions as a major cause of recessive lethality in Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting they drive lethal mutation frequencies through repeated invasions and suppression.