Rho GTPase controls Drosophila salivary gland lumen size through regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and Moesin.

ABSTRACT: Generation and maintenance of proper lumen size is important for tubular organ function. We report on a novel role for the Drosophila Rho1 GTPase in control of salivary gland lumen size through regulation of cell rearrangement, apical domain elongation and cell shape change. We show that Rho1 controls cell rearrangement and apical domain elongation by promoting actin polymerization and regulating F-actin distribution at the apical and basolateral membranes through Rho kinase. Loss of Rho1 resulted in reduction of F-actin at the basolateral membrane and enrichment of apical F-actin, the latter accompanied by enrichment of apical phosphorylated Moesin. Reducing cofilin levels in Rho1 mutant salivary gland cells restored proper distribution of F-actin and phosphorylated Moesin and rescued the

SUBMITTER: Xu N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3222215 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature