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The bHLH-PAS transcriptional complex Sim:Tgo plays active roles in late oogenesis to promote follicle maturation and

Rebecca Oramas1, Elizabeth M Knapp1, Baosheng Zeng1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CN 06269, USA.

Development (Cambridge, England)
|May 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The Single-minded (Sim) and Tango (Tgo) transcription factor complex is crucial for fruit fly ovulation. It promotes follicle cell differentiation and upregulates key genes for ovulatory competency and follicle maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Ovulation involves complex signaling cascades for oocyte release.
  • Follicle maturation and ovulatory competency are critical prerequisites for ovulation.
  • The signaling pathways governing follicle maturation are not fully understood in many species, including Drosophila.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the roles of transcription factors Single-minded (Sim) and Tango (Tgo) in Drosophila follicle maturation and ovulation.
  • To identify downstream targets of Sim:Tgo complex essential for ovulatory competency.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis in Drosophila melanogaster.
  • Investigation of bHLH-PAS transcription factor function.
  • Analysis of gene expression and protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Tango (Tgo) functions as a co-factor with Single-minded (Sim) to drive follicle cell differentiation (stages 10-12).
  • Re-expression of Sim in stage-14 follicle cells is vital for ovulatory competency.
  • Sim:Tgo upregulates octopamine receptor in mushroom body (OAMB), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2), and NADPH oxidase (NOX), crucial for ovulation, potentially with Hindsight (Hnt).

Conclusions:

  • The Sim:Tgo transcriptional complex plays essential, multifaceted roles in late-stage follicle cells.
  • This complex is critical for promoting both follicle maturation and the successful execution of ovulation in Drosophila.
Keywords:
BHLH-PAS transcription factorsFollicle maturationOvulationOvulatory competencySimTgo

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