Binary cell fate decisions and fate transformation in the Drosophila larval eye

Mishra, Abhishek Kumar; Tsachaki, Maria; Rister, Jens; Ng, June; Celik, Arzu; Sprecher, Simon G.

doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1004027

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Binary cell fate decisions and fate transformation in the Drosophila larval eye

Mishra, Abhishek Kumar Cell and Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Tsachaki, Maria Cell and Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Rister, Jens Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, USA
Ng, June Center for Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, USA
Celik, Arzu Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
Sprecher, Simon G. Cell and Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

26.12.2013

Published in:

PLoS Genet. - 2013, vol. 9, no. 12, p. e1004027

English Controlling cellular diversity requires a complex interplay of transcription factors. Using the Drosophila larval eye as genetic model we identify distinct mechanisms of how binary cell fate decisions are made, how sensory receptor gene expression is regulated and how cell fate identity is switched during metamorphosis. We show that the transcription factor Senseless fulfills three temporally and functionally separable roles in the same cells by (1) initiating a binary cell fate decision by controlling the cell fate determinants Spalt and Seven-up, (2) suppressing apoptosis during metamorphosis and (3) promoting Rhodopsin expression after metamorphosis. We further show that the transcription factor Hazy provides is required for early embryonic PR differentiation and that maintained Hazy expression is essential for Rhodopsin expression. Hazy provides a third function during metamorphosis by repressing Sens in one PR-subtype allowing it to undergo apoptotic cell death. We identified a novel mode of Rhodopsin regulation in which the highly conserved RCSI motif is dispensable for expression, demonstrating that the regulation of the Rhodopsin promoter is distinct in different visual organs. Our findings provide a unique example of how the same regulators control very distinct key aspects of development at distinct stages.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Biologie

Language