ISSN:
1432-041X
Keywords:
Key words Glial cells missing
;
Drosophila melanogaster
;
GAL4-UAS system
;
Ectopic expression
;
Cell fate determination
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The glial cells missing (gcm) gene encodes an essential transcription factor that converts neuronal precursor cells to glial fate in the Drosophila nervous system. In this study, we tested effects of gcm ectopic expression on fate of non-neural cells. When gcm expression was continuously induced in epidermal cells from around stage 9, these cells started to exhibit mesenchymal cell morphology at stage 13, which was preceded by the onset of expression of Repo, a glial marker. The morphological change was coincident with loss of expression of an epidermal cell-adhesion molecule. In addition to the epidermis, fate of mesodermal cells was also affected by gcm ectopic expression. These findings suggest that gcm can convert gene expression and cell morphology even outside the neuroectoderm.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004270050217
Permalink