A calcium-mediated actin redistribution at egg activation in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Egg activation is the essential process in which mature oocytes gain the competency to proceed into embryonic development. Many events of egg activation are conserved, including an initial rise of intracellular calcium. In some species, such as echinoderms and mammals, changes in the actin cytoskeleton occur around the time of fertilization and egg activation. However, the interplay between calcium and actin during egg activation remains unclear. Here, we use imaging, genetics, pharmacological treatment, and physical manipulation to elucidate the relationship between calcium and actin in living Drosophila eggs. We show that, before egg activation, actin is smoothly distributed between ridges in the cortex of the dehydrated mature oocytes. At the onset of egg activation, we observe actin sp

SUBMITTER: York-Andersen AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7044060 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature