Maternal control of epithelial cell polarity in Drosophila melanogaster

多细胞生物体中的上皮组织的特征在于明显的顶-底极性，这是其细胞在离子和溶质穿过上皮的矢量运输中的功能以及体内不同隔室的分离的基础。执行这些功能的先决条件是组织良好的极化表型，顶侧面向外部，基底侧在大多数情况下接触基底层。几种成分有助于建立和维持极化表型，如细胞骨架，质膜和细胞外基质。我们对果蝇基因crumbs、stardust和bazooka的分析为控制两极分化表型发展的遗传和分子机制的某些方面提供了见解。在最近进行的母体基因筛选中，我们发现了可能参与上皮细胞极性控制的新候选基因。拟议项目的目的是详细的表型和分子特征的这些基因，和他们的贡献，上皮细胞的极化表型。

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.