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Socs36E attenuates STAT signaling to optimize motile cell specification in the Drosophila ovary

Amanda J Monahan1, Michelle Starz-Gaiano

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle Road, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA. monahan2@umbc.edu

Developmental Biology
|April 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Suppressor of cytokine signaling at 36E (Socs36E) limits invasive behavior in Drosophila border cell migration. This regulator ensures precise Janus kinase/Signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway signaling for proper cell fate and motility.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The Janus kinase/Signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway regulates gene expression and cell fates.
  • Precise JAK/STAT signaling is crucial for border cell specification and migration during Drosophila oogenesis.
  • Disruptions in STAT activity affect follicle cell identity and motility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify negative regulators of JAK/STAT signaling in Drosophila border cell specification.
  • To investigate the role of Suppressor of cytokine signaling at 36E (Socs36E) in controlling cell motility.
  • To elucidate the genetic interactions and regulatory mechanisms governing border cell migration.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of a genetic null allele for Socs36E.
  • Analysis of follicle cell identity and invasive behavior in Drosophila mutants.
  • Genetic interaction studies with STAT pathway components (apt, mir-279).

Main Results:

  • Socs36E acts as a necessary negative regulator of JAK/STAT signaling during border cell specification.
  • Loss of Socs36E leads to uncharacteristic invasion by nearby follicle cells when STAT signaling is low.
  • Socs36E genetically interacts with apt and mir-279, with evidence suggesting transcriptional regulation by APT.
  • Socs36E is required in anterior follicle cells to limit invasive behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Socs36E is critical for establishing a boundary between migrating border cells and non-invasive epithelial neighbors.
  • STAT attenuation by Socs36E ensures precise regulation of cell motility and fate.
  • The study reveals a genetic circuit involving Socs36E, apt, and mir-279 in controlling border cell migration.

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