Genetic regulation and function of epidermal growth factor receptor signalling in patterning of the embryonic Drosophila brain.

ABSTRACT: The specification of distinct neural cell types in central nervous system development crucially depends on positional cues conferred to neural stem cells in the neuroectoderm. Here, we investigate the regulation and function of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway in early development of the Drosophila brain. We find that localized EGFR signalling in the brain neuroectoderm relies on a neuromere-specific deployment of activating (Spitz, Vein) and inhibiting (Argos) ligands. Activated EGFR controls the spatially restricted expression of all dorsoventral (DV) patterning genes in a gene- and neuromere-specific manner. Further, we reveal a novel role of DV genes-ventral nervous system defective (vnd), intermediate neuroblast defective (ind), Nkx6-in regulating the exp

SUBMITTER: Jussen D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5204121 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature