Contractile proteins in Drosophila development.
In summary, we have used a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of actomyosin-based motility during Drosophila embryogenesis. We have documented the movements of early embryogenesis with modern, video methods. We have characterized the cytoplasmic myosin polypeptide, made specific polyclonal antisera to the molecule, studied its distribution during early embryogenesis, cloned and partially characterized the gene that encodes it, and have recently completed the nucleotide sequence of a nearly full length cDNA that encodes the entire protein-coding region. We have initiated studies on myosin function in living embryos both by direct microinjection of antibodies and through classical genetics. To better understand how myosin function is regulated, we have begun analysis of its light chains. Finally, to investigate the molecular mechanism by which its function is integrated into a labile cytoskeleton, whose architecture is constantly changing, we have also investigated Drosophila spectrins. Together, these studies are designed to shed light on the dynamics of biologic form at the cellular level, with current focus on such complex processes as cytokinesis and morphogenesis.
Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
D P
DP
Kiehart
A
A
Ketchum
P
P
Young
D
D
Lutz
M R
MR
Alfenito
X J
XJ
Chang
M
M
Awobuluyi
T C
TC
Pesacreta
S
S
Inoué
C T
CT
Stewart
D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001483:Base Sequence; D002465:Cell Movement; D003285:Contractile Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D004247:DNA; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D009218:Myosins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D000199:Actins; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D004247:DNA; D009218:Myosins