Abstract
Neural precursors often generate distinct cell types in a specific order, but the intrinsic or extrinsic cues regulating the timing of cell fate specification are poorly understood. Here we show that Drosophila neural precursors (neuroblasts) sequentially express the transcription factors Hunchback --> Krüppel --> Pdm --> Castor, with differentiated progeny maintaining the transcription factor profile present at their birth. Hunchback is necessary and sufficient for first-born cell fates, whereas Krüppel is necessary and sufficient for second-born cell fates; this is observed in multiple lineages and is independent of the cell type involved. We propose that Hunchback and Krüppel control early-born temporal identity in neuroblast cell lineages.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Cell Lineage / genetics
-
Cell Lineage / physiology*
-
DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
-
DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
-
Drosophila Proteins*
-
Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
-
Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development*
-
Drosophila melanogaster / physiology
-
Gene Expression Regulation
-
Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
-
Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
-
Insect Proteins / genetics
-
Insect Proteins / metabolism
-
Juvenile Hormones / genetics
-
Juvenile Hormones / metabolism
-
Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
-
Morphogenesis / genetics
-
Morphogenesis / physiology
-
Neurons / cytology
-
Neurons / physiology*
-
POU Domain Factors
-
Repressor Proteins*
-
Time Factors
-
Transcription Factors / genetics
-
Transcription Factors / metabolism*
Substances
-
DNA-Binding Proteins
-
Drosophila Proteins
-
Homeodomain Proteins
-
Insect Proteins
-
Juvenile Hormones
-
Kr protein, Drosophila
-
Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
-
POU Domain Factors
-
Repressor Proteins
-
Transcription Factors
-
cas protein, Drosophila
-
hb protein, Drosophila
-
nub protein, Drosophila