High impact information on egl

• We propose that Egl and BicD are core components of a selective dynein motor complex that drives transcript localization in a variety of tissues [1].
• We propose that the Egl-BicD protein complex links microtubule polarity and RNA transport [2].
• Egl and BicD proteins localize to the oocyte in three stages that correlate with the stepwise polarization of the oocyte [2].

Biological context of egl

• Consistent with this model, point mutations that specifically disrupt Egl-Dlc association also disrupt microtubule-dependant trafficking both to and within the oocyte, resulting in a loss of oocyte fate maintenance and polarity [3].
• We have isolated the egl gene and show that Egl protein colocalizes with BicD protein at all stages of oogenesis [2].
• These results lead us to propose a model in which BicD, Egl and Orb control entry into meiosis by regulating translation [4].

Anatomical context of egl

• Specification of oocyte cell fate as well as establishment and maintenance of a polarized microtubule network within the Drosophila oocyte require the activity of the egalitarian (egl) and BicaudalD (BicD) genes [2].
• Centrosome migration into the Drosophila oocyte is independent of BicD and egl, and of the organisation of the microtubule cytoskeleton [5].

Physical interactions of egl

• Furthermore, unlike all cytoplasmic markers for the oocyte, the SC still becomes restricted to one cell when the microtubules are depolymerised, even though the BicD/Egl complex is not localised [4].

References