Pri micropeptide functions as a cell-intrinsic timer controlling the transient phase of cell fate induction - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #cell fate regulation
- #Drosophila embryogenesis
- #micropeptide
- The Pri micropeptide acts as a cell-intrinsic timer regulating the transient phase of cell fate induction during Drosophila tracheal development.
- Pri is transiently expressed in prospective tracheal placodes before the master transcription factor trachealess (trh), promoting trh expression by facilitating the disappearance of the repressor form of Shavenbaby (Svb).
- Prolonged Pri expression or loss of Svb leads to ectopic trh expression in non-invaginated placode cells, indicating Pri's role in terminating the initial fate induction system.
- The transient nature of Pri ensures a smooth transition between sequential fate-regulatory programs, coordinating cell identity with morphogenesis during organogenesis.
- The study highlights the importance of temporal regulation in cell fate determination and the role of micropeptides in developmental processes.