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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
A Novel RFP Reporter to Aid in the Visualization of the Eye Imaginal Disc in Drosophila
Published on: December 15, 2009
A genetic screen identifies putative targets and binding partners of CREB-binding protein in the developing
Jason Anderson1, Rohan Bhandari, Justin P Kumar
1Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. 3rd Street, Jordan Hall A318, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA.
Abstract:
Drosophila CREB-binding protein (dCBP) is a very large multidomain protein, which belongs to the CBP/p300 family of proteins that were first identified by their ability to bind the CREB transcription factor and the adenoviral protein E1. Since then CBP has been shown to bind to >100 additional proteins and functions in a multitude of different developmental contexts. Among other activities, CBP is known to influence development by remodeling chromatin, by serving as a transcriptional coactivator, and by interacting with terminal members of several signaling transduction cascades. Reductions in CBP activity are the underlying cause of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, which is, in part, characterized by several eye defects, including strabismus, cataracts, juvenile glaucoma, and coloboma of the eyelid, iris, and lens. Development of the Drosophila melanogaster compound eye is also inhibited in flies that are mutant for CBP. However, the vast array of putative protein interactions and the wide-ranging roles played by CBP within a single tissue such as the retina can often complicate the analysis of CBP loss-of-function mutants. Through a series of genetic screens we have identified several genes that could either serve as downstream transcriptional targets or encode for potential CBP-binding partners and whose association with eye development has hitherto been unknown. The identification of these new components may provide new insight into the roles that CBP plays in retinal development. Of particular interest is the identification that the CREB transcription factor appears to function with CBP at multiple stages of retinal development.
Insights
Drosophila CREB-binding protein (dCBP) is crucial for eye development. Genetic screens identified new genes interacting with dCBP, revealing novel roles in retinal development and CREB transcription factor function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- CREB-binding protein (CBP) is a large multidomain protein involved in numerous developmental processes.
- CBP family proteins are known to bind transcription factors like CREB and viral proteins.
- Reduced CBP activity causes Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, associated with eye defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genes involved in Drosophila eye development that interact with or are regulated by CBP.
- To elucidate the specific roles of CBP in retinal development.
- To investigate the functional relationship between CBP and CREB during eye development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetic screens in Drosophila melanogaster to identify novel genes.
- Analyzed CBP loss-of-function mutants in the context of eye development.
- Investigated potential CBP transcriptional targets and binding partners.
Main Results:
- Identified several novel genes associated with Drosophila eye development.
- These genes are potential downstream targets or binding partners of CBP.
- Found evidence that CREB transcription factor functions with CBP throughout retinal development.
Conclusions:
- The identified genes offer new insights into CBP's function in retinal development.
- CBP plays a significant role in the development of the Drosophila compound eye.
- The CREB transcription factor is a key partner for CBP in multiple stages of retinal development.
