Smiling Gurken gradient: An expansion of the Gurken gradient.
Morphogen gradients provide unique positional information within a tissue. Cells that are sensitive to the concentration of the morphogen integrate this signal and develop an appropriately distinct cell fate. A morphogen gradient is usually generated by a restricted source and shaped by the speed of diffusion and stability of the signaling molecule. In addition, the availability of receptor and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) help to shape the gradient. We have shown that overexpression of Dally-like protein (Dlp) causes an expansion of Gurken distribution and a loss of cell fates which are specified by high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) signaling. In this article, we discuss how D-Cbl mediated Egfr endocytosis and the levels of Dlp affect the shape of the Gurken gradient.
Wang
Pei-Yu
PY
Department of Biochemistry, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Chang
Wei-Ling
WL
Pai
Li-Mei
LM
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004705:Endocytosis; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D050721:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018010:Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D011509:Proteoglycans; D018010:Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; C420997:dlp protein, Drosophila; C083730:grk protein, Drosophila; D050721:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-cbl; C066532:Egfr protein, Drosophila; D066246:ErbB Receptors; C106411:Cbl protein, Drosophila