ETS transcription factors regulate precise matrix metalloproteinase expression and follicle rupture in Drosophila

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is vital for ovulation, a conserved process.
• The regulation of MMP2 spatiotemporal expression in Drosophila follicle cells is currently unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling MMP2 expression during Drosophila oogenesis.
• To identify the transcription factors and regulatory elements governing MMP2's precise expression.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genetic analysis in Drosophila to assess the necessity and sufficiency of Pnt and Yan.
• Identified and characterized a core enhancer element regulating MMP2 expression.
• Performed site-directed mutagenesis on transcription factor binding sites within the enhancer.

Main Results:

• Pointed (Pnt), an ETS-family transcription factor, is expressed in posterior follicle cells and is essential for MMP2 expression.
• Yan, an endogenous repressor, is upregulated to modulate Pnt activity and fine-tune MMP2 levels.
• A 1.1 kb core enhancer containing Pnt/Yan binding motifs was identified, crucial for MMP2 spatiotemporal expression.

Conclusions:

• Pnt and Yan act antagonistically to control MMP2 expression during Drosophila ovulation.
• The identified enhancer and regulatory mechanism provide insights into conserved transcriptional control of ovulation.