A novel, putative MEK kinase controls developmental timing and spatial patterning in Dictyostelium and is regulated by ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation.

ABSTRACT: We have identified a developmentally regulated, putative MEK kinase (MEKKalpha) that contains an F-box and WD40 repeats and plays a complex role in regulating cell-type differentiation and spatial patterning. Cells deficient in MEKKalpha develop precociously and exhibit abnormal cell-type patterning with an increase in one of the prestalk compartments (pstO), a concomitant reduction in the prespore domain, and a loss of the sharp compartment boundaries, resulting in overlapping prestalk and prespore domains. Overexpression of MEKKalpha or MEKKalpha lacking the WD40 repeats results in very delayed development and a severe loss of compartment boundaries. Prespore and prestalk cells are interspersed throughout the slug. Analysis of chimeric organisms suggests that MEKKalpha function is requir

SUBMITTER: Chung CY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC317245 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature