Dissection of the embryonic brain using photoactivated gene expression.
The Drosophila brain is generated by a complex series of morphogenetic movements. To better understand brain development and to provide a guide for experimental manipulation of brain progenitors, we created a fate map using photoactivated gene expression to mark cells originating within specific mitotic domains and time-lapse microscopy to dynamically monitor their progeny. We show that mitotic domains 1, 5, 9, 20 and B give rise to discrete cell populations within specific regions of the brain. Mitotic domains 1, 5, 9 and 20 give rise to brain neurons; mitotic domain B produced glial cells. Mitotic domains 5 and 9 produce the antennal and visual sensory systems, respectively, where each sensory system is composed of several disparate cell clusters. Time-lapse analysis of marked cells showed complex mitotic and migratory patterns for cells derived from these mitotic domains.
Minden
Jonathan
J
Department of Biological Sciences and Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. minden@cmuedu
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019070:Cell Lineage; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics
D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins