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Terminal pattern elements in Drosophila embryo induced by the torso-like protein
J R Martin1, A Raibaud, R Ollo
1Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire de la Drosophile, Paris, France.
Nature
|February 24, 1994
Summary
The torso-like (tsl) gene encodes a secreted protein crucial for Drosophila development. This protein forms a gradient, acting as the ligand for the torso receptor to specify terminal cell fates.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The torso (tor) and torso-like (tsl) genes are maternal genes in Drosophila involved in specifying terminal cell fate through a receptor tyrosine kinase pathway.
- Loss-of-function mutations in these genes result in the deletion of anterior (acron) and posterior (telson) pattern elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone the tsl gene and characterize the function and localization of its protein product.
- To investigate the role of tsl protein in the torso receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Gene cloning and characterization of the tsl gene.
- Analysis of tsl protein localization and expression patterns using immunofluorescence.
- Genetic manipulation of tsl expression in mutant females to assess effects on embryonic development.
Main Results:
- The tsl gene encodes a secreted protein.
- tsl protein transcription is restricted to specific follicle cells at the egg chamber poles.
- tsl protein forms a symmetrical concentration gradient at the embryonic poles.
- Unrestricted tsl protein expression in mutants induces terminal pattern elements and suppresses abdominal formation.
Conclusions:
- The tsl protein functions as the ligand that binds to the torso receptor.
- The concentration gradient of tsl protein is critical for specifying terminal cell fates in Drosophila embryos.