Anchor negatively regulates BMP signalling to control Drosophila wing development

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are vital in many organisms.
• The Drosophila gene anchor is an orthologue of vertebrate GPR155.
• The function of anchor, particularly in wing development, is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular functions and biological roles of the Drosophila gene anchor.
• To elucidate anchor's role in wing development and vein formation.
• To determine anchor's relationship with Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling.

Main Methods:

• RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down anchor expression in Drosophila.
• Analysis of wing size, vein morphology, and gene expression patterns.
• Assessment of BMP signaling pathway activity using p-Mad and reporter gene expression (lacZ).
• Genetic interaction studies between anchor and BMP signaling components.

Main Results:

• Anchor knockdown led to increased wing size and ectopic, thickened veins.
• BMP signaling activity, indicated by p-Mad, was significantly elevated in anchor-knockdown wing discs.
• Expression of BMP target genes (omb, sal) increased in anchor-knockdown wing discs.
• Genetic knockdown of BMP signaling components rescued the abnormal wing phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Anchor negatively regulates BMP signaling during Drosophila wing development.
• Anchor plays a critical role in controlling vein formation.
• Anchor's function is essential for maintaining normal wing size and vein patterning.