Disruption of mesectodermal lineages by temporal misexpression of the Drosophila POU-domain transcription factor, Drifter

Among the first cells to differentiate in the Drosophila ventral nerve cord, the mesectodermal (midline) lineage gives rise to a discrete set of neurons and glia previously demonstrated to play an important role in the organization of the developing nervous system. The relative simplicity of the midline has allowed the elucidation of many aspects of initial lineage commitment and subsequent differentiation. Based upon its mesectodermal expression pattern and loss-of-function phenotype, we have proposed a key role for the Drosophila POU-domain transcription factor, drifter (dfr), in mesectodermal lineage development. In this study, we have examined the developmental consequences of dfr misexpression using transgenic lines expressing wild-type Drifter protein under control of the heat-inducible hsp70 promoter. Induction of ubiquitous DFR protein during a restricted period of embryogenesis causes a defective axonal phenotype characterized by failure of commissure formation. Based on examination of cell-specific markers for mesectodermal cells, these defects appear to be the result of a suppression of single-minded expression resulting in the disruption of mesectodermal lineage designation and differentiation. The observed temporally restricted sensitivity to DFR expression suggests possible interactions between DFR protein and other stage-specific mesectodermal regulatory factors present before or after a defined mesectodermal developmental event.