title: Lectin binding sites during Drosophila embryogenesis.
abstract: The spectrum of lectin binding sites as it emerges during embryonic development of Drosophila was analysed by means of fluorescein-labelled lectins. As development and morphogenesis proceed, the reaction pattern becomes more and more complex. Mannose/glucose-, mannose-, N-acetylglucosamine- and poly-N-ace-tylglucosamine-specific lectins bind ubiquitously. Nuclear envelopes only have binding sites for wheat germ agglutinin. N-acetylgalactosamine-binding lectins are specific for ectodermal derivatives. Gaβ-3-N-acetylgalac-tosamine-binding lectins are highly selective markers for neural structures, haemocytes and Garland cells. It is also shown that Drosophila laminin is differentially glycosylated. The possible implications of differential and germ layer-specific glycosylation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Zoological Institute of the University, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Callaerts
authors.affiliation: Zoological Institute of the University, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vulsteke
authors.affiliation: Zoological Institute of the University, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Loof
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Phytopathology and Plant Protection, De Croylaan 52, B-3001, Leuven (Heverlee), Belgium.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Peumans
keywords: Development; Drosophila Embryogenesis; Glycan structures; Lectins