Abstract
ABSTRACTPrimordial germ cells (PGCs) form at the posterior pole of the Drosophila embryo, and then migrate to their final destination in the gonad where they will produce eggs or sperm. Studies of the different stages in this process, including assembly of germ plasm in the oocyte during oogenesis, specification of a subset of syncytial embryonic nuclei as PGCs, and migration, have been informed by genetic analyses. Mutants have defined steps in the process, and the identities of the affected genes have suggested biochemical mechanisms. Here we describe a novel PGC phenotype. When Neurl4 activity is reduced, newly formed PGCs frequently adopt irregular shapes and appear to bud off vesicles. PGC number is also reduced, an effect exacerbated by a separate role for Neurl4 in germ plasm formation during oogenesis. Like its mammalian homolog, Drosophila Neurl4 protein is concentrated in centrosomes and downregulates centrosomal protein CP110. Reducing CP110 activity suppresses the abnormal PGC morphology of Neurl4 mutants. These results extend prior analyses of Neurl4 in cultured cells, revealing a heightened requirement for Neurl4 in germ-line cells in Drosophila.
Highlights
During embryogenesis a subset of cells become specified as primordial germ cells (PGCs), which will later produce eggs and sperm (Richardson and Lehmann, 2010)
During the early stages of embryogenesis, in which the nuclei divide without cell division, the germ plasm persists at the posterior pole of the embryo (Mahowald, 1971)
Given the involvement of CP110 in the PGC phenotype, and the importance of microtubules in osk mRNA localization, we looked for changes in CP110 that might affect microtubule organization
Summary
During embryogenesis a subset of cells become specified as primordial germ cells (PGCs), which will later produce eggs and sperm (Richardson and Lehmann, 2010). In Drosophila, assembly of germ plasm begins during oogenesis, with localization of oskar (osk) mRNA to the posterior pole of the oocyte. During the early stages of embryogenesis, in which the nuclei divide without cell division, the germ plasm persists at the posterior pole of the embryo (Mahowald, 1971). At this location a small number of nuclei are the first to cellularize, and inclusion of the germ plasm specifies them as PGCs (Illmensee and Mahowald, 1974; Lehmann and Nüsslein-Volhard, 1986; Ephrussi and Lehmann, 1992).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
