Heterochromatin-dependent transcription of satellite DNAs in the Drosophila female germline

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are large blocks of tandemly repeated DNAs primarily found in heterochromatin near centromeres, telomeres, and on sex chromosomes. SatDNAs can play important roles in chromosome segregation and heterochromatin formation. We know little about satDNAs and how they are regulated. This study uses the Drosophila germline as a model system to study the regulation of satDNA transcription and chromatin state. Overall design: This study aims to characterize the transcription and regulation of satDNA loci in Drosophila melanogaster germlines.