Zygotic expression of the pebble locus is required for cytokinesis during the postblastoderm mitoses of Drosophila

Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Hime ◽  
R. Saint
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Embryonic Cell ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Drosophila Embryogenesis ◽  
Zygotic Transcription ◽  
Homozygous Mutant ◽  
Mitotic Figures

Mutations at the pebble locus of Drosophila melanogaster result in embryonic lethality. Examination of homozygous mutant embryos at the end of embryogenesis revealed the presence of fewer and larger cells which contained enlarged nuclei. Characterization of the embryonic cell cycles using DAPI, propidium iodide, anti-tubulin and anti-spectrin staining showed that the first thirteen rapid syncytial nuclear divisions proceeded normally in pebble mutant embryos. Following cellularization, the postblastoderm nuclear divisions occurred (mitoses 14, 15 and 16), but cytokinesis was never observed. Multinucleate cells and duplicate mitotic figures were seen within single cells at the time of the cycle 15 mitoses. We conclude that zygotic expression of the pebble gene is required for cytokinesis following cellularization during Drosophila embryogenesis. We postulate that developmental regulation of zygotic transcription of the pebble gene is a consequence of the transition from syncytial to cellular mitoses during cycle 14 of embryogenesis.

The nullo protein is a component of the actin-myosin network that mediates cellularization in Drosophila melanogaster embryos

1994 ◽  
Vol 107 (7) ◽  
pp. 1863-1873 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Postner ◽  
E.F. Wieschaus
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nuclear Division ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
The Other ◽  
Drosophila Embryogenesis ◽  
Zygotic Transcription ◽  
Hexagonal Network

After the 13th nuclear division cycle of Drosophila embryogenesis, cortical microfilaments are reorganized into a hexagonal network that drives the subsequent cellularization of the syncytial embryo. Zygotic transcription of the nullo and serendipity-alpha genes is required for normal structuring of the microfilament network. When either gene is deleted, the network assumes an irregular configuration leading to the formation of multinucleate cells. To investigate the role of these genes during cellularization, we have made monoclonal antibodies to both proteins. The nullo protein is present from cycle 13 through the end of cellularization. During cycle 13, it localizes between interphase actin caps and within metaphase furrows. In cellularizing embryos, nullo co-localizes with the actin-myosin network and invaginates along with the leading edge of the plasma membrane. The serendipity-alpha (sry-alpha) protein co-localizes with nullo protein to the hexagonal network but, unlike the nullo protein, it localizes to the sides rather than the vertices of each hexagon. Mutant embryos demonstrate that neither protein translationally regulates the other, but the localization of the sry-alpha protein to the hexagonal network is dependent upon nullo.

scholarly journals Mandatory coupling of zygotic transcription to DNA replication in early Drosophila embryos

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Yi Cho ◽  
James P. Kemp ◽  
Robert J. Duronio ◽  
Patrick H. O'Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Embryonic Cell ◽  
Rna Polymerases ◽  
Replication Forks ◽  
Transcriptional Initiation ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Zygotic Transcription

Collisions between transcribing RNA polymerases and DNA replication forks are disruptive. The threat of collisions is particularly acute during the rapid early embryonic cell cycles of Drosophila when S phase occupies the entirety of interphase. We hypothesized that collision-avoidance mechanisms safeguard the onset of zygotic transcription in these cycles. To explore this hypothesis, we used real-time imaging of transcriptional events at the onset of each interphase. Endogenously tagged RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) abruptly formed clusters before nascent transcripts accumulated, indicating recruitment prior to transcriptional engagement. Injection of inhibitors of DNA replication prevented RNAPII clustering, blocked formation of foci of the pioneer factor Zelda, and largely prevented expression of transcription reporters. Knockdown of Zelda or the histone acetyltransferase CBP prevented RNAPII cluster formation except at the replication-dependent (RD) histone gene locus. We suggest a model in which the passage of replication forks allows Zelda and a distinct pathway at the RD histone locus to reconfigure chromatin to nucleate RNAPII clustering and promote transcriptional initiation. The replication dependency of these events defers initiation of transcription and ensures that RNA polymerases transcribe behind advancing replication forks. The resulting coordination of transcription and replication explains how early embryos circumvent collisions and promote genome stability.

scholarly journals Identification of grandchildless loci whose products are required for normal germ-line development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Genetics ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 1061-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
E E Capowski ◽  
P Martin ◽  
C Garvin ◽  
S Strome
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Phenotypic Characterization ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Homozygous Mutant ◽  
Germ Granules

Abstract To identify genes that encode maternal components required for development of the germ line in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we have screened for mutations that confer a maternal-effect sterile or "grandchildless" phenotype: homozygous mutant hermaphrodites produced by heterozygous mothers are themselves fertile, but produce sterile progeny. Our screens have identified six loci, defined by 21 mutations. This paper presents genetic and phenotypic characterization of four of the loci. The majority of mutations, those in mes-2, mes-3 and mes-4, affect postembryonic germ-line development; the progeny of mutant mothers undergo apparently normal embryogenesis but develop into agametic adults with 10-1000-fold reductions in number of germ cells. In contrast, mutations in mes-1 cause defects in cytoplasmic partitioning during embryogenesis, and the resulting larvae lack germ-line progenitor cells. Mutations in all of the mes loci primarily affect the germ line, and none disrupt the structural integrity of germ granules. This is in contrast to grandchildless mutations in Drosophila melanogaster, all of which disrupt germ granules and affect abdominal as well as germ-line development.

scholarly journals Rif1 prolongs the embryonic S phase at the Drosophila mid-blastula transition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A Seller ◽  
Patrick H O’Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Replication Timing ◽  
Embryonic Cell ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Phosphorylation Sites ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Satellite Sequences

In preparation for dramatic morphogenetic events of gastrulation, rapid embryonic cell cycles slow at the Mid-Blastula Transition, MBT. In Drosophila melanogaster embryos, downregulation of Cdk1 activity initiates this slowing by delaying replication of satellite sequences and extending S phase. We found that Cdk1 inhibited the chromatin association of Rif1, a candidate repressor of replication. Furthermore, Rif1 bound selectively to satellite sequences following Cdk1 downregulation at the MBT. In the next S phase, Rif1 dissociated from different satellites in an orderly schedule that anticipated their replication. Rif1 lacking potential phosphorylation sites failed to dissociate and dominantly prevented completion of replication. Loss of Rif1 in mutant embryos shortened the post-MBT S phase, and rescued embryonic cell cycles disrupted by depletion of the S phase-promoting kinase, Cdc7. Thus, Drosophila Rif1 mediates the MBT extension of S phase and functionally interacts with S phase promoting kinases to introduce a replication-timing program.

scholarly journals Rapid embryonic cell cycles defer the establishment of heterochromatin by Eggless/SetDB1 inDrosophila

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Seller ◽  
Chun-Yi Cho ◽  
Patrick H. O’Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Repetitive Dna ◽  
Constitutive Heterochromatin ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Embryonic Cell ◽  
Chromatin Modifications ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Heterochromatin Formation ◽  
Cycle Times

Acquisition of chromatin modifications during embryogenesis distinguishes different regions of an initially naïve genome. In many organisms, repetitive DNA is packaged into constitutive heterochromatin that is marked by di/tri methylation of histone H3K9 and the associated protein HP1a. These modifications enforce the unique epigenetic properties of heterochromatin. However, in the earlyDrosophila melanogasterembryo the heterochromatin lacks these modifications which only appear later when rapid embryonic cell cycles slow down at the Mid-Blastula Transition or MBT. Here we focus on the initial steps restoring heterochromatic modifications in the embryo. We describe the JabbaTrap, a technique for inactivating maternally provided proteins in embryos. Using the JabbaTrap we reveal a major requirement for the methyltransferase Eggless/SetDB1 in the establishment of heterochromatin. In contrast, other methyltransferases contribute minimally. Live-imaging reveals that endogenous Eggless gradually accumulates on chromatin in interphase, but then dissociates in mitosis and its accumulation must restart in the next cell cycle. Cell cycle slowing as the embryo approaches the MBT permits increasing accumulation and action of Eggless at its targets. Experimental manipulation of interphase duration shows that cell cycle speed regulates Eggless. We propose that developmental slowing of the cell cycle times embryonic heterochromatin formation.

Isolation of circulating tumor cells using CellCelector post CellSearch enables characterization of single cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Neumann ◽  
S Schömer ◽  
Y Decker ◽  
H Schneck ◽  
M Fleisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Circulating Tumor Cells ◽  
Single Cells

scholarly journals Clonal approaches to understanding the impact of mutations on hematologic disease development

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (13) ◽  
pp. 1436-1445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyoti Nangalia ◽  
Emily Mitchell ◽  
Anthony R. Green
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Mutations ◽  
Clonal Selection ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Driver Mutations ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Tumor Evolution ◽  
Disease Development ◽  
Hematopoietic Tissue ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Interrogation of hematopoietic tissue at the clonal level has a rich history spanning over 50 years, and has provided critical insights into both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Characterization of chromosomes identified some of the first genetic links to cancer with the discovery of chromosomal translocations in association with many hematological neoplasms. The unique accessibility of hematopoietic tissue and the ability to clonally expand hematopoietic progenitors in vitro has provided fundamental insights into the cellular hierarchy of normal hematopoiesis, as well as the functional impact of driver mutations in disease. Transplantation assays in murine models have enabled cellular assessment of the functional consequences of somatic mutations in vivo. Most recently, next-generation sequencing–based assays have shown great promise in allowing multi-“omic” characterization of single cells. Here, we review how clonal approaches have advanced our understanding of disease development, focusing on the acquisition of somatic mutations, clonal selection, driver mutation cooperation, and tumor evolution.

scholarly journals A closed-loop optogenetic screen for neurons controlling feeding in Drosophila

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia K S Lau ◽  
Meghan Jelen ◽  
Michael D Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Expression Pattern ◽  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Taste Detection ◽  
Proof Of Principle ◽  
Feeding Circuits

Abstract Feeding is an essential part of animal life that is greatly impacted by the sense of taste. Although the characterization of taste-detection at the periphery has been extensive, higher order taste and feeding circuits are still being elucidated. Here, we use an automated closed-loop optogenetic activation screen to detect novel taste and feeding neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. Out of 122 Janelia FlyLight Project GAL4 lines preselected based on expression pattern, we identify six lines that acutely promote feeding and 35 lines that inhibit it. As proof of principle, we follow up on R70C07-GAL4, which labels neurons that strongly inhibit feeding. Using split-GAL4 lines to isolate subsets of the R70C07-GAL4 population, we find both appetitive and aversive neurons. Furthermore, we show that R70C07-GAL4 labels putative second-order taste interneurons that contact both sweet and bitter sensory neurons. These results serve as a resource for further functional dissection of fly feeding circuits.

The development of body and organ shape

BMC Zoology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ansa E. Cobham ◽  
Christen K. Mirth
Keyword(s):  
Relative Position ◽  
Body Shape ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
The Other ◽  
Geometric Features ◽  
Main Text ◽  
Size Characterization ◽  
Organ Shape ◽  
The Many

Abstract Background Organisms show an incredibly diverse array of body and organ shapes that are both unique to their taxon and important for adapting to their environment. Achieving these specific shapes involves coordinating the many processes that transform single cells into complex organs, and regulating their growth so that they can function within a fully-formed body. Main text Conceptually, body and organ shape can be separated in two categories, although in practice these categories need not be mutually exclusive. Body shape results from the extent to which organs, or parts of organs, grow relative to each other. The patterns of relative organ size are characterized using allometry. Organ shape, on the other hand, is defined as the geometric features of an organ’s component parts excluding its size. Characterization of organ shape is frequently described by the relative position of homologous features, known as landmarks, distributed throughout the organ. These descriptions fall into the domain of geometric morphometrics. Conclusion In this review, we discuss the methods of characterizing body and organ shape, the developmental programs thought to underlie each, highlight when and how the mechanisms regulating body and organ shape might overlap, and provide our perspective on future avenues of research.

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