Mutations in the Drosophila dTAK1 gene reveal a conserved function for MAPKKKs in the control of rel/NF-kappaB-dependent innate immune responses

Article Abstract:

Mutations in the dTAK1 gene have been found to indicate a conserved function for MAPKKKs in control of rel/NF-kappaB-dependent innate immune responses in Drosophila. Null mutations in the dTAK1 gene that encodes dTAK1, a homolog of TAK1, a MAPKKK kinase, in the fly, bring on inability to produce antibacterial peptides. The flies are very susceptible to Gram-negative bacterial infection.

Japan, France, Statistical Data Included, Physiological aspects, Gram-negative bacteria, Host-bacteria relationships, Protein kinases, Immunocytochemistry, Natural immunity

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Signaling for germ cells

Article Abstract:

Germ cells in mammals seem to start out as something else. In Drosophila the first cells formed in the embryo are pole cells and they do nothing but give rise to gametes. Germ cell determinants present in the egg are asymmetrically segregated at each subsequent cell division until a definitive germ cell lineage comes about in Caenorhabditis and zebra fish. Mammals, it appears, may be unique, but the first, most crucial challenge in mammalian development is implantation in the maternal uterus, so that would not be unexpected. Newts, however do not seem to have germ plasm in the early embryo, so mammals may not be so unique.

United Kingdom, Fishes, Cellular signal transduction, Caenorhabditis elegans, Germ cells, Reptiles

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