The Role of CK2 in Regulating Drosophila Orb Protein Function
Author Information
Author(s): Wong Li Chin, Costa Alexandre, McLeod Ian, Sarkeshik Ali, Yates John III, Kyin Saw, Perlman David, Schedl Paul
Primary Institution: Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
Hypothesis
CK2 is required for the phosphorylation and function of the Drosophila CPEB protein Orb.
Conclusion
CK2 activity is essential for the proper phosphorylation of Orb, which in turn is necessary for its role in mRNA localization and translation during Drosophila oogenesis.
Supporting Evidence
- CK2 was found to be associated with Orb in immunoprecipitation experiments.
- Reduction of CK2 activity led to decreased levels of hyperphosphorylated Orb isoforms.
- CK2 mutations resulted in defects in grk signaling, which is linked to Orb function.
- Orb mRNA localization was disrupted in ovaries with reduced CK2 activity.
- Phosphorylation patterns of Orb were altered in CK2 mutant backgrounds.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called CK2 helps another protein, Orb, do its job in developing fruit fly eggs by adding special tags called phosphates.
Methodology
The study used proteomics, phosphatase treatments, and genetic interaction assays to analyze the role of CK2 in Orb phosphorylation and function.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on CK2 and does not explore the potential roles of other kinases that may also phosphorylate Orb.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.00055
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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