Expression pattern of DMAP-85 during Drosophila embryonic development

Mech Dev. 2001 Oct;108(1-2):197-201. doi: 10.1016/s0925-4773(01)00481-6.

Abstract

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) play major regulatory roles on the organization and integrity of the cytoskeletal network. Previously, we identified DMAP-85, a Drosophila MAP that promotes tubulin polymerization in vitro. In this work, we examine the distribution of DMAP-85 and its association pattern with microtubules at embryonic stages. Immunoblots revealed that DMAP-85 was present throughout embryogenesis, but it was most abundant in stages 6-9. Immunofluorescence studies showed that DMAP-85 was associated with sub-populations of stable microtubules during embryo cellularization, and after gastrulation with interphase microtubule arrays. At late embryonic stages, it was preferentially found in the ventral nerve cord, co-localizing with axonal microtubules. These observations are in agreement with previous reports on DMAP-85 functions, suggesting that DMAP-85 might be required for the stabilization and organization of cytoplasmic microtubules during embryonic development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / embryology*
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genes, Insect
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Nervous System / embryology
  • Nervous System / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger