Skip to Content

branchless encodes a Drosophila FGF homolog that controls tracheal cell migration and the pattern of branching.

Titlebranchless encodes a Drosophila FGF homolog that controls tracheal cell migration and the pattern of branching.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsSutherland D, Samakovlis C, Krasnow MA
JournalCell
Volume87
Issue6
Pagination1091-101
Date Published1996 Dec 13
ISSN0092-8674
KeywordsAnimals, Base Sequence, Cell Movement, DNA, Complementary, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Fibroblast Growth Factors, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Genes, Insect, Insect Proteins, Larva, Molecular Sequence Data, Phenotype, Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Signal Transduction, Trachea
Abstract

The molecular basis for patterning of complex organ structures like the lung and insect tracheal system is unknown. Here, we describe the Drosophila gene branchless (bnl) and demonstrate that it is a key determinant of the tracheal branching pattern. bnl is required for tracheal branching and is expressed dynamically in clusters of cells surrounding the developing tracheal system at each position where a new branch will form and grow out. Localized misexpression of bnl can direct branch formation and outgrowth to new positions. Generalized misexpression activates later programs of tracheal gene expression and branching, resulting in massive networks of branches. bnl encodes a homolog of mammalian fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and appears to function as a ligand for the breathless receptor tyrosine kinase, an FGF receptor homolog expressed on developing tracheal cells. The results suggest that this FGF pathway specifies the tracheal branching pattern by guiding tracheal cell migration during primary branch formation and then activating later programs of finer branching at the ends of growing primary branches.

Alternate JournalCell


biblio | about seo