Drosophila type XV/XVIII collagen, Mp, is involved in Wingless distribution

Matrix Biol. 2011 May;30(4):258-66. doi: 10.1016/j.matbio.2011.03.008. Epub 2011 Apr 6.

Abstract

Multiplexin (Mp) is the Drosophila orthologue of vertebrate collagens XV and XVIII. Like them, Mp is widely distributed in the basement membranes of the developing embryos, including those of neuroblasts in the central and peripheral nervous systems, visceral muscles of the gut, and contractile cardioblasts. Here we report the identification of mutant larvae bearing piggyBac transposon insertions that exhibit decrease Mp production associated with abdominal cuticular and wing margin defects, malformation of sensory organs and impaired sensitivity to physical stimuli. Additional findings include the abnormal ultrastructure of fatbody associated with abnormal collagen IV deposition, and reduced Wingless deposition. Collectively, these findings are consistent with the notion that Mp is required for the proper formation and/or maintenance of basement membrane, and that Mp may be involved in establishing the Wingless signaling gradients in the Drosophila embryo.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / chemistry
  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / genetics
  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / metabolism*
  • Collagen / chemistry
  • Collagen / genetics
  • Collagen / metabolism*
  • Digestive System / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / chemistry
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
  • Gene Components
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism / genetics
  • Organ Specificity
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / cytology
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Touch
  • Wnt1 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Mp protein, Drosophila
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • wg protein, Drosophila
  • Collagen