Nuria Romero
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Welcome to Nuria Romero's lab!

Principal investigator of the DEB team

- Developmental timing, Environment and Behaviors -

Our research team is dedicated to uncover how living organisms determine the right moment to progress from their juvenile to adult stages, a critical period known as the juvenile-to-adult developmental transition (JDT). This transition is essential across the animal kingdom, marking the onset of the reproductive adult functions and, in several species, involving complex behaviors that optimize this phase. Using our model of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, we investigate the communication between the endocrine and sensory systems that help regulate this timing. Specifically, we study how hormones, sensory inputs, and environmental signals are combined to control developmental progression, shedding light on fundamental biological processes that apply to a wide range of organisms. Drosophila melanogaster is a well-established genetic model that shares many similarities with other species, including humans. This makes it an excellent system for precisely and systematically exploring key mechanisms underlying growth, maturation, and behavioral changes. Through this research, our team aims to build a deeper understanding of the molecular and neural factors that govern when an organism is ready to leave its juvenile phase to make its transition into adulthood.

filopodia are invovled in Ecdysone secretion

Project 1: Filopodia and Developmental Timing

In this project, we study how the endocrine glands induce a surge of steroid hormone, ecdysone. Ecdysone acts like a switch, triggering metamorphosis, and is released by a specific gland in the fly at the right moment. Traditionally, it was thought that steroid hormones like ecdysone simply diffused out of cells, but recent research shows it is more complex than that. Our team discovered that the gland producing ecdysone has tiny structures called filopodia, which act as specialized structures for releasing the hormone. These projections play a key role in regulating ecdysone release. When these filopodia are disrupted, the timing of development is delayed since ecdysone secretion is strongly affected, highlighting how essential they are for triggering the transition. Interestingly, we observed that the size and density of these filopodia change during late larval stages, matching with the timing of ecdysone peak and suggesting a fine-tuned process. This discovery provides exciting insights into how endocrine glands precisely control hormone release, opening new research paths into the regulation of developmental timing.

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Project 2: Odors and Developmental Timing

Here, we investigate how the sensory system, specifically the sense of smell, regulates JDT timing by integrating volatile environmental signals. Previous studies suggest that non-nutritional environmental conditions, such as the presence of pheromones, can affect the timing of metamorphosis. However, how these signals are integrated into the neuroendocrine system remains unclear. To uncover this, we conduct genetic screenings to identify specific olfactory neurons that connect smell with hormonal regulation. By selectively inactivating certain neurons, we can observe how it impacts the timing of development from early embryo to the formation of the pupal stage. This allows us to pinpoint which odors might speed up or slow down development. Additionally, we measure the size of the flies after they have transformed to see if these changes are due to metabolic adjustments or direct hormonal effects. The idea that olfactory signals can influence developmental timing via the neuroendocrine system is intriguing. This concept broadens our understanding of the role of smell beyond mere sensory perception. It suggests that the olfactory system may function as an environmental sensor, adjusting development in response to external conditions.

Odorant Receptor regulates developmental timing of Drosophila melanogaster
orientation and proprioception of pupae of drosophila melanogaster

Project 3: Orientation and Proprioception

In this project, we explore how Drosophila larvae perceive gravity and use it to orient themselves during JDT. The ability to perceive gravity is fundamental for many animals, enabling spatial orientation, balance, and movement generation. However, the molecular and neuronal mechanisms underlying gravity perception remain largely unknown in developing insects. To study this, we use genetic tools to identify the specific neurons involved in gravity perception. By mapping these neurons and tracing their connections, we are able to understand which parts of the larvae's nervous system help them detect and respond to gravity. We are also examining how their bodies are adapted to handle these signals and adjust their movement accordingly. Interestingly, while adult fruit flies have a specialized organ for sensing gravity (called Johnston’s organ), larvae lack this structure, suggesting they may rely on entirely different sensory strategies. This raises fascinating questions about how various organisms perceive and respond to gravity and may reveal new, previously unknown methods that living creatures use to navigate their environments.

Fundings