Drosophila RNA Interference (RNAi) Using a Gal-4 Inducible Transgene Vector

The Hippo pathway effector Yki downregulates Wg signaling to promote retinal differentiation in the Drosophila eye

The evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway is known to regulate cell proliferation and maintain tissue homeostasis during development. We found that activation of Yorkie (Yki), the effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, causes separable effects on growth and differentiation of the Drosophila eye. We present evidence supporting a role for Yki in suppressing eye fate by downregulation of the core retinal determination genes. Other upstream regulators of the Hippo pathway mediate this effect of Yki on retinal differentiation. Here, we show that, in the developing eye, Yki can prevent retinal differentiation by blocking morphogenetic furrow (MF) progression and R8 specification. The inhibition of MF progression is due to ectopic induction of Wingless (Wg) signaling and Homothorax (Hth), the negative regulators of eye development. Modulating Wg signaling can modify Yki-mediated suppression of eye fate. Furthermore, ectopic Hth induction due to Yki activation in the eye is dependent on Wg. Last, using Cut (Ct), a marker for the antennal fate, we show that suppression of eye fate by hyperactivation of yki does not change the cell fate (from eye to antenna-specific fate). In summary, we provide the genetic mechanism by which yki plays a role in cell fate specification and differentiation - a novel aspect of Yki function that is emerging from multiple model organisms.

Collection of Drosophila Embryos for RNA Interference (RNAi)

INTRODUCTIONRNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method for determining the role of specific genes during Drosophila embryogenesis. This protocol describes a method for collection of Drosophila embryos for RNA interference (RNAi) experiments. The embryos are collected in a simple, homemade apparatus, arrayed on prepared glass slides, and readied for injection. It is important to keep the embryos moist and oxygenated. Work expeditiously, because embryos should be injected within 30-60 min after collection.

Injection of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos for RNA Interference (RNAi)

INTRODUCTIONRNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method for determining the role of specific genes during Drosophila embryogenesis. This protocol describes a technique by which Drosophila embryos can be injected with dsRNA in order to disrupt targeted gene function. The approach is straightforward, utilizing improved methods for injecting the dsRNA directly through the chorion of the embryo. This strategy minimizes problems normally associated with desiccation of the dechorionated embryo and facilitates post-injection analysis of gene expression.

Preparation of Double-Stranded RNA for Drosophila RNA Interference (RNAi)

INTRODUCTIONRNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method for determining the role of specific genes during Drosophila embryogenesis. It has been used in our laboratory to phenocopy a series of known mutations in Drosophila, including twist, engrailed, daughterless, Dmef2, and, to a lesser extent, white in the adult eye. This protocol describes the preparation of dsRNA by in vitro transcription of complementary strands of a cloned DNA fragment that codes for all or a portion of the gene of interest, followed by annealing of the transcribed RNA.