title: Abi induces ectopic sensory organ formation by stimulating EGFR signaling.
abstract: One of the central regulators coupling tyrosine phosphorylation with cytoskeletal dynamics is the Abelson interactor (Abi). Its activity regulates WASP-/WAVE mediated F-actin formation and in addition modulates the activity of the Abelson tyrosine kinase (Abl). We have recently shown that the Drosophila Abi is capable of promoting bristle development in a wasp dependent fashion. Here, we report that Drosophila Abi induces sensory organ development by modulating EGFR signaling. Expression of a membrane-tethered activated Abi protein (Abi(Myr)) leads to an increase in MAPK activity. Additionally, suppression of EGFR activity inhibits the induction of extra-sensory organs by Abi(Myr), whereas co-expression of activated Abi(Myr) and EGFR dramatically enhances the neurogenic phenotype. In agreement with this observation Abi is able to associate with the EGFR in a common complex. Furthermore, Abi binds the Abl tyrosine kinase. A block of Abl kinase-activity reduces Abi protein stability and strongly abrogates ectopic sensory organ formation induced by Abi(Myr). Concomitantly, we noted changes in tyrosine phosphorylation supporting previous reports that Abi protein stability is linked to tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by Abl.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Neurobiologie, Universität Münster, Badestrasse 9, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Raiko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stephan
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grevelhörster
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wenderdel
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Klämbt
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bogdan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004330:Drosophila / Q000254:growth & development*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018010:Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000254:growth & development*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D048490:raf Kinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C121808:Abi protein, Drosophila; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D018010:Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide; D011494:Protein Kinases; C066532:Egfr protein, Drosophila; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D048490:raf Kinases; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases