Nucleoporin98-96 Function Is Required for Transit Amplification Divisions in the Germ Line of Drosophila melanogaster
2011

Nucleoporin98-96 Function in Drosophila Germ Line Development

Sample size: 100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Parrott Benjamin B., Chiang Yuting, Hudson Alicia, Sarkar Angshuman, Guichet Antoine, Schulz Cordula

Primary Institution: Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America

Hypothesis

The nup98-96 locus is essential for maintaining germ line stem cells in an undifferentiated state.

Conclusion

The nup98-962288 mutation leads to a loss of early stage germ line cells due to premature differentiation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Flies with the nup98-962288 mutation showed reduced numbers of germ line cells.
  • Expression of wildtype nup98-96 in mutant animals restored germ line development.
  • Mutant testes contained solitary germ line cells that had committed to differentiation.

Takeaway

This study shows that a specific gene in fruit flies is important for keeping germ cells from turning into other types of cells too soon.

Methodology

The study involved genetic screening, phenotypic analysis, and immuno-labelling techniques to assess germ line cell development.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a single mutation and its effects, which may not represent broader mechanisms in germ line development.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025087

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication