Transcriptional regulation of Notch and Delta: requirement for neuroblast segregation in Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.124.10.2015
• Publication Date: 2021-04-23T19:05:18Z
• Authors: Laurent Seugnet; Pat Simpson; Marc Haenlin
• Keywords: Neuroblast; Proneural genes; Transcription; Cell fate determination; Lateral inhibition

ABSTRACT Segregation of a single neural precursor from each proneural cluster in Drosophila relies on Notch-mediated lateral signalling. Studies concerning the spacing precursors for microchaetes peripheral nervous system suggested existence regulatory loop between Notch and its ligand Delta within cell that is under transcriptional control. Activation leads to repression achaete-scute genes which themselves regulate transcription Delta, perhaps directly. Here we have tested requirement regulation and/or during neuroblast segregation embryos, by providing ubiquitously at uniform levels. Neuroblast occurs normally conditions expression. Under expression, segregates group 80% cases, more than one remaining 20%. Thus largely dispensable. We discuss possibility central may rely heterogeneous distribution potential different cells group. signalling would enable all mutually repress other only with an elevated could overcome this repression.