RNAi screen in the Drosophila wing of genes encoding proteins related to cytoskeleton organization and cell division.

Cell division and cytoskeleton organization are fundamental processes participating in the development of Drosophila imaginal discs. In this manuscript we describe the phenotypes in the adult fly wing generated by knockdowns of 85% of Drosophila genes encoding proteins likely related to the regulation of cell division and cytoskeleton organization. We also compile a molecular classification of these proteins into classes that describe their expected or known main biochemical characteristics, as well as mRNA expression in the wing disc and likely protein subcellular localization for a subset of these genes. Finally, we analyze in more detail one protein family of cytoskeleton genes (Arp2/3 complex), and define the consequences of interfering with cell division for wing growth and patterning. [Display omitted] • We studied Drosophila wing phenotypes of cell division and the cytoskeleton genes. • Cell division and cytoskeletal genes affect mainly wing size. • The Arp2/3 complex influences cell division and survival in epithelial cells. • An identical venation pattern is accommodated into extremely different wing sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]