glial cells missing and gcm2 cell autonomously regulate both glial and neuronal development in the visual system of Drosophila

Neuron. 2005 Oct 20;48(2):237-51. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.09.019.

Abstract

The transcription factors Glial cells missing (Gcm) and Gcm2 are known to play a crucial role in promoting glial-cell differentiation during Drosophila embryogenesis. Our findings reveal a central function for gcm genes in regulating neuronal development in the postembryonic visual system. We demonstrate that Gcm and Gcm2 are expressed in both glial and neuronal precursors within the optic lobe. Removal of gcm and gcm2 function shows that the two genes act redundantly and are required for the formation of a subset of glial cells. They also cell-autonomously control the differentiation and proliferation of specific neurons. We show that the transcriptional regulator Dachshund acts downstream of gcm genes and is required to make lamina precursor cells and lamina neurons competent for neuronal differentiation through regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor levels. Our findings further suggest that gcm genes regulate neurogenesis through collaboration with the Hedgehog-signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cell Death / genetics
  • Cell Death / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • In Situ Hybridization / methods
  • Molecular Biology / methods
  • Neuroglia / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Optic Nerve / growth & development
  • Optic Nerve / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Visual Pathways / cytology*
  • Visual Pathways / growth & development

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • GCM protein, Drosophila
  • Gcm2 protein, Drosophila
  • Transcription Factors
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins