Bazooka regulates microtubule organization and spatial restriction of germ plasm assembly in the Drosophila oocyte.

ABSTRACT: Localization of the germ plasm to the posterior of the Drosophila oocyte is required for anteroposterior patterning and germ cell development during embryogenesis. While mechanisms governing the localization of individual germ plasm components have been elucidated, the process by which germ plasm assembly is restricted to the posterior pole is poorly understood. In this study, we identify a novel allele of bazooka (baz), the Drosophila homolog of Par-3, which has allowed the analysis of baz function throughout oogenesis. We demonstrate that baz is required for spatial restriction of the germ plasm and axis patterning, and we uncover multiple requirements for baz in regulating the organization of the oocyte microtubule cytoskeleton. Our results suggest that distinct cortical domains establi

SUBMITTER: Becalska AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2854266 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature