Dynamics of bicoid mRNA localisation and translation dictate morphogen gradient formation

ABSTRACT: The transcription factor Bicoid (Bcd) protein guides early Drosophila patterning and is the best-characterised morphogen. The source of the morphogen, bcd mRNA, is maternally deposited during oogenesis and localised to the anterior pole. When and where Bcd protein is produced and how this protein gradient is dynamically shaped remains contentious. Here, we use the SunTag reporter system to quantitatively examine the spatiotemporal profile of bcd mRNA translation in vivo. We show that association with Processing bodies (P bodies) in mature oocytes prevent premature bcd mRNA translation. Following egg activation, bcd mRNA dissociates from P bodies and translation is observed at the anterior pole. Translation remains largely restricted to the anterior domain throughout early development. At c

SUBMITTER: Thamarailingam Athilingam 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44318-026-00927-5 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other