Cell Adhesion Molecules and Septate Junctions in Drosophila
Author Information
Author(s): Laval Monique, Bel Christophe, Faivre-Sarrailh Catherine
Primary Institution: Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille
Hypothesis
The study investigates the lateral mobility of cell adhesion molecules at septate junctions in Drosophila embryos.
Conclusion
The mobility of cell adhesion molecules is significantly restricted at septate junctions, which is crucial for maintaining the paracellular barrier.
Supporting Evidence
- GFP-tagged Nrg and Nrx IV molecules show stable association with septate junctions in wild-type embryos.
- Nrg-GFP mislocalizes to the baso-lateral membrane in nrx IV or cont null mutant embryos.
- The mobile fraction of Nrg-GFP is significantly increased in embryos with altered septate junctions.
Takeaway
This study shows that certain proteins in fruit flies stick together tightly at junctions between cells, helping to keep things from leaking between them.
Methodology
Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) analysis was used to measure the mobility of cell adhesion molecules in live Drosophila embryos.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website