Role of neurogenic genes in establishment of follicle cell fate and oocyte polarity during oogenesis in Drosophila

H. Ruohola, K. A. Bremer, David Baker, J. R. Swedlow, L. Y. Jan, Y. N. Jan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

293 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Oogenesis in Drosophila involves specification of both germ cells and the surrounding somatic follicle cells, as well as the determination of oocyte polarity. We found that two neurogenic genes, Notch and Delta, are required in oogenesis. These genes encode membrane proteins with epidermal growth factor repeats and are essential in the decision of an embryonic ectodermal cell to take on the fate of neuroblast or epidermoblast. In oogenesis, mutation in either gene leads to an excess of posterior follicle cells, a cell fate change reminiscent of the hyperplasia of neuroblasts seen in neurogenic mutant embryos. Furthermore, the Notch mutation in somatic cells causes mislocalization of bicoid in the oocyte. These results suggest that the neurogenic genes Notch and Delta are involved in both follicle cell development and the establishment of anterior-posterior polarity in the oocyte.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)433-449
Number of pages17
JournalCell
Volume66
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Aug 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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