Abstract
Differentiation of body column epithelial cells into tentacle epithelial cells in Hydra is accompanied by changes in both cell shape and cell-cell contact. The molecular mechanism by which epithelial cells acquire tentacle cell characteristics is unknown. Here we report that expression of a Hydra homologue of the mammalian IQGAP1 protein is strongly upregulated during tentacle formation. Like mammalian IQGAP, Hydra IQGAP1 contains an N-terminal calponin-homology domain, IQ repeats and a conserved C terminus. In adult polyps a high level of Hydra IQGAP1 mRNA is detected at the basis of tentacles. Consistent with a role in tentacle formation, IQGAP1 expression is activated during head regeneration and budding at a time when tentacles are emerging. The observations support the previous hypothesis that IQGAP proteins are involved in cytoskeletal as well as cell-cell contact rearrangements.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 458-463 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Development Genes and Evolution |
Volume | 210 |
Issue number | 8-9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cnidaria
- Cytoskeleton
- Hydra
- IQGAP
- Regeneration