Cleavage of the Drosophila screw prodomain is critical for a dynamic BMP morphogen gradient in embryogenesis.

摘要: Abstract Dorsoventral patterning of the Drosophila embryo is regulated by graded distribution bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) composed two ligands, decapentaplegic (Dpp) a BMP2/4 ortholog and screw (Scw) BMP5/6/7/8 family member. scwE1 encodes an unusual allele that was isolated as dominant enhancer partial loss-of-function mutations in dpp. However, molecular mechanisms underlie this genetic interaction remain to be addressed. Here we show contains mutation at furin cleavage site within prodomain crucial for ligand production. Furthermore, our data ScwE1 preferentially forms heterodimers with Dpp rather than homotypic dimers, providing possible explanation negative phenotype alleles. The unprocessed remains complex Dpp:Scw heterodimer, thus could interfere extracellular matrix, or kinetics processing/secretion vivo. These reveal novel which post-translational regulation Scw can modulate signaling activity.