The polarisation of the anteroposterior axis in Drosophila.
The polarisation of the embryonic anteroposterior (AP) axis requires the establishment of positional cues with spatial information, and often involves complex intercellular communications, cell adhesion and cell movement. Recent work on several fronts has begun to shed light on how the initial asymmetries are established and maintained. In this review, I discuss the polarisation of the AP axis during Drosophila oogenesis, focusing on the function of the Notch signalling pathway and its relationship to the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. I make special reference to some aspects of Notch activity regulation during oogenesis that appear to depart from the canonical pathway. Finally, I hypothesise on possible similarities between these activities of Notch signalling during Drosophila oogenesis and vertebrate somitogenesis.
López-Schier
Hernán
H
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University (Box 314) 1230 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, USA. lopezsh@rockvax.rockefeller.edu
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology*; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D005260:Female; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology; D009866:Oogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D015398:Signal Transduction
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C497759:N protein, Drosophila; D051880:Receptors, Notch