Germ plasm anchoring is a dynamic state that requires persistent trafficking.

TitleGerm plasm anchoring is a dynamic state that requires persistent trafficking.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsSinsimer, KS, Lee, JJ, Thiberge, SY, Gavis, ER
JournalCell Rep
Volume5
Issue5
Pagination1169-77
Date Published2013 Dec 12
ISSN2211-1247
KeywordsActin Cytoskeleton, Animals, Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm, Cytoplasmic Streaming, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Dyneins, Female, Kinesins, Microtubules, Oocytes, Protein Transport, Ribonucleoproteins
Abstract

<p>Localized cytoplasmic determinants packaged as ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles direct embryonic patterning and cell fate specification in a wide range of organisms. Once established, the asymmetric distributions of such RNP particles must be maintained, often over considerable developmental time. A striking example is the Drosophila germ plasm, which contains RNP particles whose localization to the posterior of the egg during oogenesis results in their asymmetric inheritance and segregation of germline from somatic fates in the embryo. Although actin-based anchoring mechanisms have been implicated, high-resolution live imaging revealed persistent trafficking of germ plasm RNP particles at the posterior cortex of the Drosophila oocyte. This motility relies on cortical microtubules, is mediated by kinesin and dynein motors, and requires coordination between the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons. Finally, we show that RNP particle motility is required for long-term germ plasm retention. We propose that anchoring is a dynamic state that renders asymmetries robust to developmental time and environmental perturbations.</p>

DOI10.1016/j.celrep.2013.10.045
Alternate JournalCell Rep
PubMed ID24290763
PubMed Central IDPMC4149184
Grant ListR01 GM067758 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
F32GM087005 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
P50GM071508 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
P50 GM071508 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01GM067758 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
F32 GM087005 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States