Knibiehler, B., Mirre, C., Cecchini, J.P., Le Parco, Y. (1987). Haemocytes accumulate collagen transcripts during Drosophila melanogaster metamorphosis.  Rouxs Arch. Dev. Biol. 196(4): 243--247.

FBrf0047282

Research paper

We report a direct examination of the expression of one collagen gene (DCg1) during Drosophila melanogaster metamorphosis, based on data from in situ hybridization. The transcripts of this gene, thought to encode a basement membrane type IV collagen, are mainly accumulated during ecdysis in wandering haemocytes. Our results demonstrate that haemocytes contribute to extracellular matrix deposition and seem to perform a fibroblastic function during Drosophila development.