Functions of the major membrane microdomain protein reggie/flotillin in formation of highly mobile forms of Wnt and Hedgehog morphogens in Drosophila

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The lipid-modified morphogens Wnt and Hedgehog are secreted and spread through the tissue by at least two pathways. The first results in formation of a poorly mobile morphogen pool, and activates short-range target genes. The second forms a more mobile morphogen pool required for activation of longrange targets. We have demonstrated that this second secretion route depends in Drosophila on the function of one of the major membrane microdomain organizing proteins, reggie-1/flotillin-2. The aims of the current project are: a) to understand the molecular nature of the reggie-dependent, highly mobile form of the Wnt and Hh morphogens; b) to investigate the morphogen secretion routes and their dependence on reggie-1 at the ultrastructural level; and c) to elucidate involvement of reggie-1 in other signaling pathways during Drosophila wing development.