Abstract
Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)]/Lag-1/RBP-Jkappa/CBF1 is the only known transducing transcription factor for Notch receptor signaling. Here, we show that Su(H) has three distinct functions in the development of external mechanosensory organs in Drosophila: Notch-dependent transcriptional activation and a novel auto-repression function, both of which direct cell fate decisions, and a novel auto-activation function required for normal socket cell differentiation. This third phase of activity, the first known Notch-independent activation function for Su(H) in development, depends on a cell type-specific autoregulatory enhancer that is active throughout adult life and is required for proper mechanoreception. These results establish a direct link between a broadly deployed cell signaling pathway and an essential physiological function of the nervous system.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Genetically Modified
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Base Sequence
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Cell Differentiation
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Drosophila / anatomy & histology
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Drosophila / growth & development
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Drosophila / physiology*
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Electrophysiology
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Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics*
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Genes, Reporter
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Green Fluorescent Proteins
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Histocytochemistry
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In Situ Hybridization
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Insect Proteins / genetics
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Insect Proteins / metabolism*
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Luminescent Proteins / genetics
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Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
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Mechanoreceptors / physiology*
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Mechanoreceptors / ultrastructure
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
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Pupa / metabolism
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Pupa / ultrastructure
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Receptors, Notch
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Repressor Proteins / genetics
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Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Temperature
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Transcription, Genetic / genetics*
Substances
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Drosophila Proteins
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Insect Proteins
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Luminescent Proteins
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Membrane Proteins
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N protein, Drosophila
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Receptors, Notch
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Repressor Proteins
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Su(H) protein, Drosophila
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delta protein
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Green Fluorescent Proteins