Spatial and temporal control of mitotic cyclins by the Gnu regulator of embryonic mitosis in Drosophila

Journal of Cell Science
Xiao-Hua ZhangAndrew D Renault

Abstract

Mutation of the Drosophila maternal cell cycle regulator, Gnu, results in loss of embryonic mitosis and the onset of excessive nuclear DNA replication. The Gnu phosphoprotein is normally synthesized in nurse cells and transported to the developing oocyte. We created a gnuGFP-bcd3'UTR transgene using the gnu promoter and bicoid 3'UTR, that translates GnuGFP only on egg activation from a localized anterior source. This transgene was able to rescue the sterility of gnu mutant females. Gnu is therefore first required after egg activation for polar body condensation and zygotic mitoses. Embryos containing pronounced anterior-posterior gradients of Gnu activity demonstrate that Gnu regulates mitotic activity by promoting cyclin B stability. Our gnuGFP-bcd3'UTR vector provides a novel experimental strategy to analyse the temporal requirement and role of cell cycle regulators including potential sperm-supplied factors in eggs and embryos.

References

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Apr 15, 1997·Developmental Biology·J LiuM F Wolfner
Mar 11, 1999·Current Opinion in Genetics & Development·A D Donaldson, J J Blow
Jun 9, 2001·Developmental Biology·Y HeifetzM F Wolfner

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Citations

Feb 3, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Leah VardyTerry L Orr-Weaver
Jan 3, 2007·Developmental Cell·Leah Vardy, Terry L Orr-Weaver
Jun 25, 2013·Genetics·Amber R KrauchunasMariana F Wolfner

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