Raw Functions through JNK signaling and cadherin-based adhesion to regulate Drosophila gonad morphogenesis.

ABSTRACT: To form a gonad, germ cells (GCs) and somatic gonadal precursor cells (SGPs) must migrate to the correct location in the developing embryo and establish the cell-cell interactions necessary to create proper gonad architecture. During gonad morphogenesis, SGPs send out cellular extensions to ensheath the individual GCs and promote their development. We have identified mutations in the raw gene that result in a failure of the SGPs to ensheath the GCs, leading to defects in GC development. Using genetic analysis and gene expression studies, we find that Raw negatively regulates JNK signaling during gonad morphogenesis, and increased JNK signaling is sufficient to cause ensheathment defects. In particular, Raw functions upstream of the Drosophila Jun-related transcription factor to regulate it

SUBMITTER: Jemc JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3635074 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature