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Enhanced Northern Blot Detection of Small RNA Species in Drosophila Melanogaster
Published on: August 21, 2014
Drosophila microRNAs 263a/b confer robustness during development by protecting nascent sense organs from apoptosis
Valérie Hilgers1, Natascha Bushati, Stephen M Cohen
1Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
miR-263a/b are members of a conserved family of microRNAs that are expressed in peripheral sense organs across the animal kingdom. Here we present evidence that miR-263a and miR-263b play a role in protecting Drosophila mechanosensory bristles from apoptosis by down-regulating the pro-apoptotic gene head involution defective. Both microRNAs are expressed in the bristle progenitors, and despite a difference in their seed sequence, they share this key common target. In miR-263a and miR-263b deletion mutants, loss of bristles appears to be sporadic, suggesting that the role of the microRNAs may be to ensure robustness of the patterning process by promoting survival of these functionally specified cells. In the context of the retina, this mechanism ensures that the interommatidial bristles are protected during the developmentally programmed wave of cell death that prunes excess cells in order to refine the pattern of the pupal retina.
Insights
MicroRNAs miR-263a and miR-263b protect Drosophila mechanosensory bristles from programmed cell death by down-regulating a key gene. This ensures robust development and survival of sensory cells in the bristle and retina.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved regulators of gene expression.
- miR-263a/b are expressed in peripheral sense organs across animals.
- Their specific roles in sensory organ development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of miR-263a and miR-263b in Drosophila sensory organ development.
- To identify the targets and mechanisms by which these miRNAs regulate cell survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.
- Generated miR-263a and miR-263b deletion mutants.
- Analyzed bristle development and cell apoptosis.
- Investigated gene expression of the pro-apoptotic gene head involution defective.
Main Results:
- miR-263a and miR-263b down-regulate the pro-apoptotic gene head involution defective.
- Both miRNAs target head involution defective despite differing seed sequences.
- Deletion mutants show sporadic bristle loss, indicating a role in cell survival.
- This mechanism protects sensory bristles during retinal development.
Conclusions:
- miR-263a and miR-263b are crucial for protecting Drosophila mechanosensory bristles from apoptosis.
- These miRNAs ensure developmental robustness by promoting cell survival.
- The identified mechanism is important for refining patterns in the pupal retina.
