Genes, Vol. 15, Pages 552: Novel Genome-Engineered H Alleles Differentially Affect Lateral Inhibition and Cell Dichotomy Processes during Bristle Organ Development

Genes, Vol. 15, Pages 552: Novel Genome-Engineered H Alleles Differentially Affect Lateral Inhibition and Cell Dichotomy Processes during Bristle Organ Development Genes doi: 10.3390/genes15050552 Authors: Tanja C. Mönch Thomas K. Smylla Franziska Brändle Anette Preiss Anja C. Nagel Hairless (H) encodes the major antagonist in the Notch signaling pathway, which governs cellular differentiation of various tissues in Drosophila. By binding to the Notch signal transducer Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)), H assembles repressor complexes onto Notch target genes. Using genome engineering, three new H alleles, HFA, HLLAAand HWA were generated and a phenotypic series was established by several parameters, reflecting the residual H-Su(H) binding capacity. Occasionally, homozygous HWA flies develop to adulthood. They were compared with the likewise semi-viable HNN allele affecting H-Su(H) nuclear entry. The H homozygotes were short-lived, sterile and flightless, yet showed largely normal expression of several mitochondrial genes. Typical for H mutants, both HWA and HNN homozygous alleles displayed strong defects in wing venation and mechano-sensory bristle development. Strikingly, however, HWA displayed only a loss of bristles, whereas bristle organs of HNN flies showed a complete shaft-to-socket transformation. Apparently, the impact of HWA is restricted to lateral inhibition, whereas that of HNN also affects the respective cell type specification. Notably, reduction i...
Source: Genes - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research
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