A novel mechanism for the control of growth factor activity

Growth factors are secreted signalling molecules that govern fundamental biological processes such as cell
growth, proliferation and death. I have discovered a novel mechanism for growth factor control by a
Membrane Attack Complex/Perforin-like (MACPF) protein. This is highly novel as MACPF proteins typically
function to kill pathogens during the vertebrate immune response. This project aims to reveal how the
MACPF protein Torso-like controls highly localised growth factor signalling, using the sophisticated genetic
and advanced imaging methods possible in the fruitfly Drosophila. My data will be pivotal for understanding
growth factor control, of key importance as its deregulation leads to serious developmental disorders and
diseases.