Differential effects of Cbl isoforms on Egfr signaling in Drosophila

Mech Dev. 2006 Jun;123(6):450-62. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2006.04.001. Epub 2006 Jul 17.

Abstract

The Cbl family of proteins downregulate epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) signaling via receptor internalization and destruction. These proteins contain two functional domains, a RING finger domain with E3 ligase activity, and a proline rich domain mediating the formation of protein complexes. The Drosophila cbl gene encodes two isoforms, D-CblS and D-CblL. While both contain a RING finger domain, the proline rich domain is absent from D-CblS. We demonstrate that expression of either isoform is sufficient to rescue both the lethality of a D-cbl null mutant and the adult phenotypes characteristic of Egfr hyperactivation, suggesting that both isoforms downregulate Egfr signaling. Interestingly, targeted overexpression of D-CblL, but not D-CblS, results in phenotypes characteristic of reduced Egfr signaling and suppresses the effect of constitutive Egfr activation. The level of D-CblL was significantly correlated with the phenotypic severity of reduced Egfr signaling, suggesting that D-CblL controls the efficiency of downregulation of Egfr signaling. Furthermore, reduced dynamin function suppresses the effects of D-CblL overexpression in follicle cells, suggesting that D-CblL promotes internalization of activated receptors. D-CblL is detected in a punctate cytoplasmic pattern, whereas D-CblS is mainly localized at the follicle cell cortex. Therefore, D-CblS and D-CblL may downregulate Egfr through distinct mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Body Patterning
  • Drosophila Proteins / chemistry*
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology*
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Endocytosis
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl / chemistry*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Cbl protein, Drosophila