Large gaps are seen between the lateral membranes of adjacent midgut epithelial cells in meshf04955/Df(3R)Exel6218 first instar larvae, in contrast to wild type, indicating a defect in smooth septate junction organisation. Pleated septate junctions appear intact in these midguts.
First instar larvae expressing meshNIG.12074R under the control of Scer\GAL448Y in a meshf04955/+ background show defects in paracellular barrier function in the midgut epithelium, when tested using a dye permeability assay.
meshf04955 is rescued by meshUAS.cIa/Scer\GAL448Y
Precise excision of the insertion reverts the lethal phenotype.