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Ectopic E2F expression induces S phase and apoptosis in Drosophila imaginal discs
M Asano1, J R Nevins, R P Wharton
1Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Genes & Development
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Elevated levels of the E2F transcription factor can trigger cell cycle entry and apoptosis in Drosophila imaginal disc cells. Downregulation of E2F upon entering S phase is crucial for preventing cell death.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell cycle regulation
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Transcription factor E2F is crucial for cell cycle progression, particularly the G1 to S phase transition.
- Previous studies in cultured mammalian cells suggest a rise in E2F activity precedes S phase entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo role of Drosophila E2F in imaginal disc cells.
- To examine the consequences of both endogenous and ectopic E2F expression on cell cycle progression and survival.
Main Methods:
- Studied endogenous E2F protein distribution in Drosophila eye discs during development.
- Analyzed the effects of ectopic E2F expression on quiescent and cycling imaginal disc cells.
- Assessed cell cycle entry (S phase), apoptosis (reaper expression), and cell fate.
Main Results:
- Endogenous E2F levels decrease as cells initiate DNA synthesis during the G1-S transition in eye discs.
- Ectopic E2F expression forces quiescent cells into S phase, leading to reaper expression and cell death.
- Ectopic E2F expression in cycling cells blocks subsequent S phase entry, potentially leading to cell death.
Conclusions:
- Ectopic E2F is sufficient to induce S phase entry in imaginal disc cells.
- Downregulation of E2F upon entering S phase is essential for preventing apoptosis, highlighting its critical role in cell cycle control and survival.