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uninflatable Encodes a Novel Ectodermal Apical Surface Protein Required for Tracheal Inflation in Drosophila
Zhang, Liang Ward, Robert E., IV
Zhang, Liang
Ward, Robert E., IV
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Abstract
The tracheal system of Drosophila melanogaster has proven to be an excellent model system for
studying the development of branched tubular organs. Mechanisms regulating the patterning and
initial maturation of the tracheal system have been largely worked out, yet important questions
remain regarding how the mature tubes inflate with air at the end of embryogenesis, and how the
tracheal system grows in response to the oxygen needs of a developing larva that increases nearly
1000-fold in volume over a four day period. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of
uninflatable (uif), a gene that encodes a large transmembrane protein containing carbohydrate
binding and cell signaling motifs in its extracellular domain. Uif is highly conserved in insect
species, but does not appear to have a true ortholog in vertebrate species. uif is expressed
zygotically beginning in stage 5 embryos, and Uif protein localizes to the apical plasma membrane
in all ectodermally derived epithelia, most notably in the tracheal system. uif mutant animals show
defects in tracheal inflation at the end of embryogenesis, and die primarily as larvae. Tracheal tubes
in mutant larvae are often crushed or twisted, although tracheal patterning and maturation appear
normal during embryogenesis. uif mutants larvae also show defects in tracheal growth and molting
of their tracheal cuticle.
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Date
2009-10-07
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Elsevier
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Keywords
Drosophila, Trachea, Cuticle, Tube size control, Air filling, Molting
Citation
Zhang, L. and Ward, R. E. 2009. uninflatable Encodes a Novel Ectodermal Apical Surface Protein Required for Tracheal Inflation in Drosophila. Developmental Biology 336:201-212.