Conditional knockdown protocol for studying cellular communication using Drosophila melanogaster wing imaginal disc

Hanna Antson1, Yunxian Huang2, Tambet Tõnissoo1

  • 1Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.

STAR Protocols
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study details a protocol for RNAi knockdown of scribble in Drosophila wing discs. This method helps investigate how disruptions in apicobasal polarity affect tissue homeostasis and tumor suppression.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Apicobasal polarity proteins are crucial for tissue homeostasis.
  • Misregulation of these proteins is linked to tumorigenesis.
  • The exact mechanisms of polarity disruption in disease remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a robust protocol for conditional RNAi knockdown of scribble.
  • To enable detailed investigation of scribble's role in Drosophila wing imaginal disc development.
  • To facilitate research into the link between polarity, tissue homeostasis, and tumor suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of specific Drosophila fly lines for conditional knockdown.
  • Implementation of RNAi targeting scribble in host stocks.
  • Detailed procedures for sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis.
  • Phenotypic verification using antibody staining.

Main Results:

  • A comprehensive and reproducible protocol for scribble knockdown in Drosophila wing imaginal discs was established.
  • The protocol allows for precise temporal and spatial control of gene silencing.
  • Successful verification of wing disc phenotypes associated with scribble depletion.

Conclusions:

  • This protocol provides a valuable tool for studying the function of scribble and other polarity proteins.
  • It aids in understanding the contribution of apicobasal polarity to tissue homeostasis and cancer.
  • Further research can leverage this method to explore therapeutic targets in cancer biology.

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