PMID: 8983059Jan 1, 1994Paper

Tumor suppressor genes and signal transduction in Drosophila

Princess Takamatsu Symposia
D F Woods, P J Bryant

Abstract

Several studies in Drosophila have revealed the existence of loss-of-function mutations that lead to overproliferation of epithelial tissues. The molecular analysis of these tumor suppressor genes has provided important clues in the search for signalling mechanisms controlling growth. We discuss here two genes that act to control epithelial cell proliferation. Mutations in the fat locus cause hyperplastic imaginal disc overgrowth, in which the imaginal disc cells retain their epithelial structure, junctional complexes, and ability to differentiate. However, mutations in fat also cause defective cell-cell adhesion, as indicated by the separation of epithelial vesicles from the epithelial sheet in the mutant tissue. The fat gene encodes a giant relative of cadherins, providing the first evidence that this class of junction-associated molecules can act to regulate growth. Loss of the discs large (dlg) gene product results in neoplastic overgrowth of imaginal discs, causes the epithelial cells to lose apical/basal polarity, and prevents them from differentiating. The gene encodes a protein made up of a series of peptide motifs, including an SH3 and a potential enzymatic domain, a region homologous to guanylate kinases. The presence...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Adherens Junctions

An adherens junction is defined as a cell junction whose cytoplasmic face is linked to the actin cytoskeleton. They can appear as bands encircling the cell (zonula adherens) or as spots of attachment to the extracellular matrix (adhesion plaques). Adherens junctions uniquely disassemble in uterine epithelial cells to allow the blastocyst to penetrate between epithelial cells. Discover the latest research on adherens junctions here.

Cadherins and Catenins

Cadherins (named for "calcium-dependent adhesion") are a type of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) that is important in the formation of adherens junctions to bind cells with each other. Catenins are a family of proteins found in complexes with cadherin cell adhesion molecules of animal cells: alpha-catenin can bind to β-catenin and can also bind actin. β-catenin binds the cytoplasmic domain of some cadherins. Discover the latest research on cadherins and catenins here.

Adhesion Molecules in Health and Disease

Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.