echinoid (ed) encodes an cell-adhesion molecule (CAM)that contains immunoglobulin domains and regulates the EGFR signaling pathway during Drosophila eye development. Based on our previous genetic mosaic and epistatic analysis, we proposed that Ed, via homotypic interactions, activates a novel, as yet unknown pathway that antagonizes EGFR signaling. In this report, we demonstrate that Ed functions as a homophilic adhesion molecule and also engages in a heterophilic trans-interaction with Drosophila Neuroglian (Nrg), an L1-type CAM. Co-expression of ed and nrg in the eye exhibits a strong genetic synergy in inhibiting EGFR signaling. This synergistic effect requires the intracellular domain of Ed, but not that of Nrg. In addition, Ed and Nrg colocalize in the Drosophila eye and are efficiently co-immunoprecipitated. Together,our results suggest a model in which Nrg acts as a heterophilic ligand and activator of Ed, which in turn antagonizes EGFR signaling.
History of our journals
As our publisher, The Company of Biologists, turns 100 years old, read about Development’s journey and highlights from some its first issues, and explore the history of each of our sister journals: Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 15 May 2025.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
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