Systematic analysis of the transcriptional switch inducing migration of border cells

Lodovica Borghese, Georgina Fletcher, Juliette Mathieu, Ann Atzberger, William C. Eades, Ross L. Cagan, Pernille Rørth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cell migration within a natural context is tightly controlled, often by specific transcription factors. However, the switch from stationary to migratory behavior is poorly understood. Border cells perform a spatially and temporally controlled invasive migration during Drosophila oogenesis. Slbo, a C/EBP family transcriptional activator, is required for them to become migratory. We purified wild-type and slbo mutant border cells as well as nonmigratory follicle cells and performed comparative whole-genome expression profiling, followed by functional tests of the contributions of identified targets to migration. About 300 genes were significantly upregulated in border cells, many dependent on Slbo. Among these, the microtubule regulator Stathmin was strongly upregulated and was required for normal migration. Actin cytoskeleton regulators were also induced, including, surprisingly, a large cluster of "muscle-specific" genes. We conclude that Slbo induces multiple cytoskeletal effectors, and that each contributes to the behavioral changes in border cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)497-508
Number of pages12
JournalDevelopmental cell
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006

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