Open AccessBistability coordinates activation of the EGFR and DPP pathways in Drosophila vein differentiation
Author(s) -
Yan ShianJang,
Zartman Jeremiah J,
Zhang Minjie,
Scott Anthony,
Shvartsman Stanislav Y,
Li Willis X
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
molecular systems biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.523
H-Index - 148
ISSN - 1744-4292
DOI - 10.1038/msb.2009.35
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , biology , signal transduction , cellular differentiation , function (biology) , bistability , genetics , gene , physics , quantum mechanics
Cell differentiation in developing tissues is controlled by a small set of signaling pathways, which must coordinate the timing and levels of activation to ensure robust and precise outcomes. Highly coordinated activation of signaling pathways can result from cross‐regulatory interactions in multi‐pathway networks. Here we explore the dynamics and function of pathway coordination between the EGFR and DPP pathways during Drosophila wing‐vein differentiation. We show that simultaneous activation of both the EGFR and DPP pathways must be maintained for vein cell differentiation and that above‐threshold ectopic activation of either pathway is sufficient to drive vein cell differentiation outside the proveins. The joint activation of the EGFR and DPP signaling systems is ensured by a positive feedback loop, in which the two pathways stimulate each other at the level of ligand production.