spn-F encodes a novel protein that affects oocyte patterning and bristle morphology in Drosophila

Development. 2006 Apr;133(8):1477-84. doi: 10.1242/dev.02319. Epub 2006 Mar 15.

Abstract

The anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the Drosophila embryo are established during oogenesis through the activities of Gurken (Grk), a Tgfalpha-like protein, and the Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr). spn-F mutant females produce ventralized eggs similar to the phenotype produced by mutations in the grk-Egfr pathway. We found that the ventralization of the eggshell in spn-F mutants is due to defects in the localization and translation of grk mRNA during mid-oogenesis. Analysis of the microtubule network revealed defects in the organization of the microtubules around the oocyte nucleus. In addition, spn-F mutants have defective bristles. We cloned spn-F and found that it encodes a novel coiled-coil protein that localizes to the minus end of microtubules in the oocyte, and this localization requires the microtubule network and a Dynein heavy chain gene. We also show that Spn-F interacts directly with the Dynein light chain Ddlc-1. Our results show that we have identified a novel protein that affects oocyte axis determination and the organization of microtubules during Drosophila oogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Patterning / genetics
  • Body Patterning / physiology*
  • Drosophila / cytology
  • Drosophila / embryology
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
  • Egg Proteins / genetics
  • Egg Proteins / physiology*
  • Female
  • Meiosis / genetics
  • Meiosis / physiology
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology*
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Oocytes / physiology*
  • Oogenesis / genetics
  • Oogenesis / physiology

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Egg Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Spn-F protein, Drosophila
  • chorion proteins