Cell fate and organogenesis in bacteria.
Intercellular signaling through the Notch receptor and its ligands leads to the spatial differentiation of cell fate in vertebrates and invertebrates. In Myxococcus xanthus, fruiting-body development requires the transmission of a cell-bound intercellular signal by the protein called C-factor, which is functionally equivalent to the eukaryotic Notch ligands. Functional parallels between these two signaling systems include strong positive and negative feedback, and a consequent role in spatial differentiation. Consideration of these parallels enables us to make testable experimental predictions about Notch and C-signaling.
Kaiser
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Departments of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Beckman Center, B300, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5329, USA. luttman@cmgm.stanford.edu
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D016941:Myxococcus xanthus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D051880:Receptors, Notch
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C063576:CsgA protein, Myxococcus xanthus; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch