Cadherin Cad99C is required for normal microvilli morphology in Drosophila follicle cells

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Karin Schlichting - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (First author)
  • Michaela Wilsch-Bräuninger - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)
  • Fabio Demontis - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)
  • Christian Dahmann - , Chair of Systems Biology and Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)

Abstract

Microvilli are actin-filled membranous extensions common to epithelial cells. Several proteins have been identified that localize to microvilli. However, most of these proteins are dispensable for the normal morphogenesis of microvilli. Here, we show by immunoelectron microscopy that the non-classical cadherin Cad99C localizes to microvilli of Drosophila ovarian follicle cells. Loss of Cad99C function leads to disorganized and abnormal follicle cell microvilli. Conversely, overexpression of Cad99C in follicle cells results in large bundles of microvilli. Furthermore, altered microvilli morphology correlates with defects in the assembly of the vitelline membrane, an extracellular layer secreted by follicle cells that is part of the eggshell. Finally, we provide evidence that Cad99C is the homolog of vertebrate protocadherin 15. Mutations in the gene encoding protocadherin 15 lead to the disorganization of stereocilia, which are microvilli-derived extensions of cochlear hair cells, and deafness (Usher syndrome type 1F). Our data suggest an essential role for Cad99C in microvilli morphogenesis that is important for follicle cell function. Furthermore, these results indicate that insects and vertebrates use related cadherins to organize microvilli-like cellular extensions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1184-1195
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume119
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2006
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 33645736042

Keywords

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

Keywords

  • Drosophila, Microvilli, Vitelline membrane, Cadherin, Cad99C, Protocadherin 15

Library keywords