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Genetic analysis of the cellularization of the Drosophila embryo
Author(s) -
Schweisguth François,
Vincent Alain,
Lepesant JeanAntoine
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
biology of the cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1768-322X
pISSN - 0248-4900
DOI - 10.1016/0248-4900(91)90073-v
Subject(s) - biology , blastoderm , genetics , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , oogenesis , cytokinesis , embryo , phenotype , embryogenesis , cell , cell division
Summary— The synchronous cellularization of the Drosophila embryo at the blastoderm stage provides a unique system for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in cytokinesis, using genetical and biochemical approaches. The cellularization process requires the major components of the embryonic cytoskeleton that are deposited into the egg during oogenesis. Genetical analysis indicates that it requires also the products of additional maternally‐acting genes, as well as that of a limited set of zygotically‐acting genes. The cellularization defective phenotypes associated with small deficiencies uncovering these latter loci reveal specific steps within this complex process. The molecular analysis of these genes will ultimately provide meaningful insights into the normal process of cellularization. Among them, the serendipity α gene encodes a membrane‐associated protein, which is exclusively accumulated during cellularization, and is required for the reorganization of the microfilaments as the onset of cellularization.