Egfr/Ras signaling regulates DE-cadherin/Shotgun localization to control vein morphogenesis in the Drosophila wing.

ABSTRACT: Egfr/Ras signaling promotes vein cell fate specification in the developing Drosophila wing. While the importance of Ras signaling in vein determination has been extensively documented, the mechanisms linking Ras activity to vein differentiation remain unclear. We found that Ras signaling regulates both the levels and subcellular localization of the cell adhesion molecule DE-cadherin/Shotgun (Shg) in the differentiating wing epithelium. High Ras activity in presumptive vein cells directs the apical localization of Shg containing adherens junctions, whereas low Ras activity in intervein cells allows Shg to relocalize basally. These alterations in Shg-mediated adhesion control cell shape changes that are essential for vein morphogenesis. While Decapentaplegic (Dpp) acts downstream of Ras to m

SUBMITTER: O'Keefe DD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2128780 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature