1. bicoid mRNA localises to the Drosophila oocyte anterior by random Dynein-mediated transport and anchoring
- Author
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Vítor Trovisco, Katsiaryna Belaya, Dmitry Nashchekin, Uwe Irion, George Sirinakis, Richard Butler, Jack J Lee, Elizabeth R Gavis, and Daniel St Johnston
- Subjects
bicoid ,axis formation ,mRNA localisation ,microtubules ,dynein ,Medicine ,Science ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
bicoid mRNA localises to the Drosophila oocyte anterior from stage 9 of oogenesis onwards to provide a local source for Bicoid protein for embryonic patterning. Live imaging at stage 9 reveals that bicoid mRNA particles undergo rapid Dynein-dependent movements near the oocyte anterior, but with no directional bias. Furthermore, bicoid mRNA localises normally in shot2A2, which abolishes the polarised microtubule organisation. FRAP and photo-conversion experiments demonstrate that the RNA is stably anchored at the anterior, independently of microtubules. Thus, bicoid mRNA is localised by random active transport and anterior anchoring. Super-resolution imaging reveals that bicoid mRNA forms 110–120 nm particles with variable RNA content, but constant size. These particles appear to be well-defined structures that package the RNA for transport and anchoring.
- Published
- 2016
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