title: Microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP) is required to expand tracheal lumen in Drosophila in a cell-autonomous manner.
abstract: The Drosophila tracheal system is a useful model for dissecting the molecular mechanisms controlling the assembly and expansion of tubular organs. We have identified microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein (MTP) as a new player involved in the lumen expansion in unicellular tubes. MTP is an endoplasmic reticulum resident protein that can transfer triglycerides and phospholipids between membranes in vitro. MTP lipid transfer activity is crucial for the assembly and secretion of apoB family lipoproteins, which are carriers of lipids between different tissues. Here we describe an unexpected role of MTP in tracheal development, which we postulate to be independent of its known function in lipoprotein secretion. We propose that, in tracheal cells, MTP is involved in regulation of de novo apical membrane delivery to the existing lumen and thus promotes proper expansion of the larval tracheal system.
authors.affiliation: Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Magdalena M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Baer
authors.forename: Wilhelm
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Palm
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leptin
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Affolter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004330:Drosophila; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D014280:Triglycerides; C106092:microsomal triglyceride transfer protein