ABSTRACT
The maternally supplied plasm at the posterior pole of a Drosophila embryo contains determinants that specify both the germ-cell precursors (pole cells) and the posterior axis. One pole plasma component, the product of the germ cell-less gene, has been found to be required for specification of pole cells, but not posterior somatic cells. Mothers with reduced levels of gcl give rise to progeny that lack pole cells, but are otherwise normal. Mothers overexpressing gcl, on the other hand, produce progeny exhibiting a transient increase of pole cells. Ectopic localization of gcl to the anterior pole of the embryo causes nuclei at that location to adopt characteristics of pole cell nuclei, with concurrent loss of somatic cells. We also present evidence indicating that the gcl protein associates specifically with the nuclear pores of the pole cell nuclei. This localization suggests a novel mechanism in the specification of cell fate for the germ line.
Subject(s)
Drosophila Proteins , Drosophila/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Animals , Drosophila/embryology , Drosophila/metabolism , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Genes, Insect , Germ Cells/metabolism , Germ Cells/ultrastructure , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Male , Microscopy, Immunoelectron , Mitosis , Nuclear Envelope/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolismSubject(s)
Industry , Organizational Innovation/methods , Public Relations , Humans , Names , Planning Techniques , United StatesSubject(s)
Hospitals , Marketing of Health Services , Quality of Health Care , Social Values , Names , Organizational Innovation , United StatesABSTRACT
The continuous retinoblastoma cell line Y79, grown in suspension culture, has been examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, including freeze-fracture replica preparations. Four classes of cells were distinguishable by their size and surface characteristics. The surface structures included blebs, filopodia, lamellipodia, microvilli, and microplicae. The possible origin of a most unusual type of cell, apparently forming natural clones, is discussed.
