Identification of factors affecting mastermind functions

描述(由申请人提供)： Notch(N)信号通路定义了一种进化上保守的细胞相互作用机制，该机制控制着不同发育组织中的许多细胞命运选择。Notch信号通路元件的突变与人类病理有关，表明Notch信号在发育过程中发挥着重要作用。Main Mind(MAM)基因突变表现出神经源性的表型，并与Notch通路组分存在广泛的遗传相互作用，表明MasterMind在Notch信号通路中发挥着重要作用。尽管与核调节蛋白相似，但Mam的功能以及它在Notch信号中的作用仍不清楚。本研究以黑腹果蝇为模型系统，研究了MAM的生理功能，并希望从基因和分子水平上阐明MAM在Notch信号通路中的作用机制。提出了以下具体目标： 1.确定影响主脑功能的基因外因素：将进行基因筛查，目的是分离发育中的主脑功能的显性修饰者。 2.识别和分析MasterMind分子相互作用因子：分子分析将补充特定的目标1，以确定MasterMind的细胞内效应器。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Notch (N) signaling pathway defines an evolutionarily conserved cell interaction mechanism that controls a number of cell fate choices in distinct developing tissues. Mutations in Notch signaling pathway elements are associated with human pathology demonstrating the important role Notch signaling performs during development. Mutations in mastermind (mam) exhibit neurogenic phenotypes and display extensive genetic interactions with Notch pathway components suggesting that Mastermind plays an important role in the Notch signaling pathway. Despite the similarity to nuclear regulatory proteins the function of Mam remains unknown, as well as its role in Notch signaling. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, the goal of this proposal is to examine the physiological role of mam and hopefully to elucidate, at the genetic and molecular level, the mechanism by which mam functions within the Notch signaling pathway. The following specific aims are proposed: 1. Identify extragenic factors affecting mastermind function: A genetic screen will be carried out aimed at isolating dominant modifiers of mastermind function in the developing wing. 2. Identify and analyze mastermind molecular interactors: A molecular analysis will complement Specific Aim 1 in identifying intracellular effectors of Mastermind.