Genetic characterization of ebi reveals its critical role in Drosophila wing growth.

ABSTRACT: The ebi gene of Drosophila melanogaster has been implicated in diverse signalling pathways, cellular functions and developmental processes. However, a thorough genetic analysis of this gene has been lacking and the true extent of its biological roles is unclear. Here, we characterize eleven ebi mutations and find that ebi has a novel role in promoting growth of the wing imaginal disc: viable combinations of mutant alleles give rise to adults with small wings. Wing discs with reduced EBI levels are correspondingly small and exhibit down-regulation of Notch target genes. Furthermore, we show that EBI colocalizes on polytene chromosomes with Smrter (SMR), a transcriptional corepressor, and Suppressor of Hairless (SU(H)), the primary transcription factor involved in Notch signalling. Interesti

SUBMITTER: Marygold SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3266070 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature