Adachi-Yamada and O'Connor, 2002, Dev. Biol. 251(1): 74--90

Adachi-Yamada and O'Connor, 2002, Dev. Biol. 251(1): 74--90
FlyBase Identifier	FBrf0151891
FlyBase URL	http://flybase.org/reports/FBrf0151891.html
Publication Type	paper
Publication Year	2002
PubMed ID	12413899
PubMed URL	http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12413899

Title

Morphogenetic apoptosis: a mechanism for correcting discontinuities in morphogen gradients.

Abstract

Smooth gradients of the morphogens Hh, Dpp, and Wg are required for proper development of Drosophila imaginal discs. Here, it is reported that, when a discontinuity is generated between two adjacent cells in the reception of either the Dpp or Wg signal, then cells on either side of the discontinuity boundary undergo apoptosis by activating the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. Furthermore, in the medial region of the wing imaginal disc, the JNK pathway is also activated if cells do not receive the proper levels of Dpp and Hh signals. These observations suggest that cells within a developing field have the ability to access their spatial positions by comparing the level of morphogen signal they receive with that of their neighbors. This phenomenon is likely related to the process of cell competition, and we suggest that it is an evolutionarily important mechanism that helps prevent abnormal tissue specification and growth during development.

Genes from Reference

Gene(s)	Dmel\dpp