Differential regulation of gastrulation and neuroectodermal gene expression by Snail in the Drosophila embryo

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.124.19.3683
• Publication Date: 2021-04-23T19:19:06Z
• Authors: Kirugaval Hemavathy; Xiangjun Meng; Y. Tony Ip
• Keywords: Brachyury

ABSTRACT The initiation of mesoderm differentiation in the Drosophila embryo requires gene products twist and snail. In either mutant, ventral cell invagination during gastrulation is blocked no mesoderm-derived tissue formed. One functions Snail to repress neuroectodermal genes restrict their expressions lateral regions. derepression into region snail mutant a possible cause defects differentiation. To investigate such possibility, we analysed series alleles. We found that different respond differently various background. Due differential response target genes, one alleles, V2, has reduced function showed an intermediate phenotype. V2 embryos, as single-minded rhomboid, are derepressed while proceeds normally. However, these invaginated cells mesodermal lineage disrupted. results suggest establishment fate proper restriction movement independent expression patterns genes. Together with data showing some disappear mutants, propose may or activate another set required specifically for gastrulation.