Maternal control of epithelial cell polarity in Drosophila melanogaster

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Elisabeth Knust
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2001 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5331192

Epithelial tissues in multicellular organisms are characterised by a pronounced apico-basal polarity, which is the basis for the function of their cells in the vectorial transport of ions and solutes across the epithelium and for the separation of different compartments within the body. A prerequisite to perform these functions is a well organised polarised phenotype, with the apical side facing the outside and the basal side contacting in most cases a basal lamina. Several components contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a polarised phenotype, such as the cytoskeleton, the plasma membrane and the extracellular matrix. Our analysis on the Drosophila genes crumbs, stardust and bazooka has provided insight into some aspects of the genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling the development of a polarised phenotype. In a recently performed screen for maternal genes we have identified new candidates that are likely to be involved in the control of epithelial cell polarity. The aim of the proposed project is the detailed phenotypic and molecular characterisation of these genes, and their contribution to a polarised phenotype of epithelial cells.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1111: Cell Polarity