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A non-canonical Raf function is required for dorsal-ventral patterning during Drosophila embryogenesis
Jay B Lusk1, Ellora Hui Zhen Chua1, Prameet Kaur1
1Division of Science, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, 138527, Singapore.
Scientific Reports
|May 10, 2022
Summary
A novel mutation in the Raf kinase gene disrupts embryonic patterning in Drosophila, leading to loss of ventral cell fates. This study reveals a new role for Raf in development, independent of the MAPK cascade.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Proper embryonic development relies on establishing directional axes for cell patterning.
- In Drosophila, transcription factors and signaling pathways like Toll and TGFβ establish anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral patterns, respectively.
- MAPK/ERK signaling influences both anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral patterning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the Raf kinase gene in embryonic patterning.
- To characterize a novel loss-of-function mutation in Raf.
Main Methods:
- Utilized novel Raf loss-of-function mutants in Drosophila.
- Employed live imaging, optogenetics, and transcriptomics for gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- The Raf mutation caused loss of ventral cell fates, including the ventral furrow.
- Observed absence of Dorsal/NFκB nuclear localization and mesoderm determinants (Twist, Snail).
- Showed expansion of TGFβ signaling and adoption of ectodermal fates, similar to Toll pathway loss.
Conclusions:
- Raf plays a crucial role in embryonic patterning, specifically in establishing ventral cell fates.
- This function of Raf appears to be independent of the canonical MAPK cascade.
- The findings uncover a novel mechanism regulating embryonic axis formation.
