A truncated form of a transcription factor Mamo activates vasa in Drosophila embryos

Commun Biol. 2019 Nov 20:2:422. doi: 10.1038/s42003-019-0663-4. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Expression of the vasa gene is associated with germline establishment. Therefore, identification of vasa activator(s) should provide insights into germline development. However, the genes sufficient for vasa activation remain unknown. Previously, we showed that the BTB/POZ-Zn-finger protein Mamo is necessary for vasa expression in Drosophila. Here, we show that the truncated Mamo lacking the BTB/POZ domain (MamoAF) is a potent vasa activator. Overexpression of MamoAF was sufficient to induce vasa expression in both primordial germ cells and brain. Indeed, Mamo mRNA encoding a truncated Mamo isoform, which is similar to MamoAF, was predominantly expressed in primordial germ cells. The results of our genetic and biochemical studies showed that MamoAF, together with CBP, epigenetically activates vasa expression. Furthermore, MamoAF and the germline transcriptional activator OvoB exhibited synergy in activating vasa transcription. We propose that a Mamo-mediated network of epigenetic and transcriptional regulators activates vasa expression.

Keywords: Cell biology; Oogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila / embryology*
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Embryonic Development / genetics*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Models, Biological
  • Phenotype
  • Sequence Deletion*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • MAMO protein, Drosophila
  • Transcription Factors