Drosophila dec-1 eggshell proteins are differentially distributed via a multistep extracellular processing and localization pathway.

摘要: In Drosophila the multilayered eggshell forms during late oogenesis between oocyte and overlaying follicle cells. Proper assembly requires wild-type dec-1 gene function. Alternatively spliced transcripts encode three proproteins that are cleaved extracellularly in a stage-specific manner to at least five distinct derivatives. Using polyclonal antibodies raised against fusion proteins containing different regions of proteins, we have localized several derivatives assembling completed eggshell. Although all generated proximal vitelline membrane layer, they differentially distributed mature egg. Some gradually released from become within chorion, while others taken up by or concentrated endochorionic spaces cavities. The diverse distributions suggest each derivative plays role assembly. These results also acting as transient storage site, may control availability molecules active extension perhaps other cell products important early embryonic pattern formation.