Developmental Systems

The Developmental Systems Cluster supports research aimed at understanding how interacting developmental processes give rise to the emergent properties of organisms.  A systems level approach to understanding these processes, at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of organization, requires the use of molecular, genetic, biochemical, and physiological techniques as well as techniques from outside biology.  The Developmental Systems Cluster is also particularly interested in understanding how emergent properties result in the development of complex phenotypes and lead to the evolution of developmental mechanisms.

Plant, Fungal and Microbial Developmental Systems-The Plant, Fungal and Microbial Development programmatic area supports research that addresses developmental processes in plants from algae to angiosperms, microbes and fungi.

Animal Developmental Systems-Animal Developmental Systems programmatic area supports research that seeks to understand the processes that result in the complex phenotype of animals.  Because different organisms may be more amenable to certain approaches than others, analyses of development in a wide range of different species are encouraged.

Evolution of Developmental Systems-The Evolution of Developmental Systems programmatic area supports research to discover the developmental processes shared by all organisms and those singular ones that produce diversity (phenotypic variation within a species and/or between species).  What developmental changes have given rise to new phenotypes?  How are gene networks modified to generate different phenotypic outcomes?  To answer these and other evolutionary questions will likely require inter-disciplinary and collaborative approaches using a wide range of model systems.

Summary of Award Information - In FY 2010, the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems funded 17% of submitted proposals, and the mean annual award was $216,556.

Program Directors:

Steven Klein.  Animal Developmental Mechanisms; Animal Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms

Heinz Gert de Couet.  Animal Developmental Mechanisms; Animal Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms

Bruce A. McClure.  Animal Developmental Mechanisms; Animal Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms