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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
11:49
Characterization of G Protein-coupled Receptors by a Fluorescence-based Calcium Mobilization Assay
Published on: July 28, 2014
Versatility of EGF receptor ligand processing in insects.
Shaul Yogev1, Tal Rousso, Eyal D Schejter
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Developmental Biology
|December 21, 2010
Summary
Insects utilize a unique mechanism for processing EGF-family ligands, involving the Star chaperone and Rhomboid proteases. This pathway
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor pathway signaling is crucial for development and tissue homeostasis.
- Ligand processing is a key regulatory step in activating the EGF receptor pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate a novel, invertebrate-specific mechanism for EGF-family ligand processing.
- To investigate the role of Star chaperone and Rhomboid proteases in this pathway.
- To explore the evolutionary diversification of this ligand processing mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Investigated ligand precursor trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mediated by the Star chaperone.
- Analyzed precursor cleavage by Rhomboid intra-membrane proteases.
- Examined species-specific variations in chaperone-protease interactions and localization.
Main Results:
- Described an invertebrate-specific mechanism involving Star chaperone-mediated ER trafficking and Rhomboid protease cleavage.
- Demonstrated that Rhomboids can cleave Star, adding regulatory diversity.
- Showcased ER localization's role in trafficking machinery to axonal termini.
- Identified evolutionary changes in chaperone cleavability across insect species.
Conclusions:
- Altering intracellular localization of signaling components provides evolutionary modulation of signaling levels.
- This mechanism diversifies biological functions of the EGF receptor pathway in invertebrates.
- The findings highlight conserved signaling cassettes and their adaptable localization for functional diversification.
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