Complex cellular and subcellular regulation of notch expression during embryonic and imaginal development of Drosophila: implications for notch function.

• DOI: 10.1083/jcb.113.3.657
• Publication Date: 2004-05-15T00:18:20Z
• Authors: R G Fehon; K Johansen; I Rebay; S Artavanis-Tsakonas
• Keywords: Notch proteins; Blastoderm; Neuroblast; Cell fate determination; Hes3 signaling axis

The Notch gene in Drosophila encodes a transmembrane protein with homology to EGF that appears mediate cell-cell interactions necessary for proper epidermal vs. neural fate decisions. In this study, we examine expression detail throughout embryonic and imaginal development using confocal laser-scanning microscopy specific mAb probes. We find is expressed tissue-specific manner as early the cellular blastoderm stage, when cells of presumptive mesoderm clearly express less than adjacent ectodermal precursors. abundantly during initial determination neuronal lineages, such neuroblasts precursors sensory neurons disc epithelia, but quickly decreases subsequent differentiation. These changing patterns do not correlate well cell movements, thus appear support notion major function maintain epithelial integrity via adhesive mechanisms. Our data suggest instead may act cell-surface receptor, perhaps functioning lateral inhibition mechanism spacing