Obstructor-A is required for epithelial extracellular matrix dynamics, exoskeleton function, and tubulogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The epidermis and internal tubular organs, such as gut and lungs, are exposed to a hostile environment. They form an extracellular matrix to provide epithelial integrity and to prevent contact with pathogens and toxins. In arthropods, the cuticle protects, shapes, and enables the functioning of organs. During development, cuticle matrix is shielded from premature degradation; however, underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Previously, we identified the conserved obstructor multigene-family, which encodes chitin-binding proteins. Here we show that Obstructor-A is required for extracellular matrix dynamics in cuticle forming organs. Loss of obstructor-A causes severe defects during cuticle molting, wound protection, tube expansion and larval growth control. We found that Obst

SUBMITTER: Petkau G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3375561 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature