A dual role for actin and microtubule cytoskeleton in the transport of Golgi units from the nurse cells to the oocyte across ring canals

Mol Biol Cell. 2009 Jan;20(1):556-68. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e08-04-0360. Epub 2008 Nov 12.

Abstract

Axis specification during Drosophila embryonic development requires transfer of maternal components during oogenesis from nurse cells (NCs) into the oocyte through cytoplasmic bridges. We found that the asymmetrical distribution of Golgi, between nurse cells and the oocyte, is sustained by an active transport process. We have characterized actin basket structures that asymmetrically cap the NC side of Ring canals (RCs) connecting the oocyte. Our results suggest that these actin baskets structurally support transport mechanisms of RC transit. In addition, our tracking analysis indicates that Golgi are actively transported to the oocyte rather than diffusing. We observed that RC transit is microtubule-based and mediated at least by dynein. Finally, we show that actin networks may be involved in RC crossing through a myosin II step process, as well as in dispatching Golgi units inside the oocyte subcompartments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / physiology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Golgi Apparatus / ultrastructure
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Myosin Type II / metabolism
  • Oocytes* / cytology
  • Oocytes* / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Myosin Type II
  • Dyneins