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Drosophila: A Model for Studying Prostaglandin Signaling
Book chapter

Drosophila: A Model for Studying Prostaglandin Signaling

Andrew J Spracklen and Tina L Tootle
Bioactive Lipid Mediators, pp.181-197
Springer Japan
01/01/2015
DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-55669-5_13

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Abstract

Prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and signaling are conserved in Drosophila melanogaster. PGs are produced downstream of cyclooxygenase or COX enzymes, the targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Almost 20 years ago, biochemical studies suggested that Drosophila possess COX activity. Recent efforts utilizing a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches revealed that PGs have critical functions in Drosophila oogenesis or follicle development. Pxt was identified as the COX-like enzyme and is required for multiple aspects of female fertility, including temporal regulation of both gene expression and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Here we review the PG synthesis and signaling machinery, the evidence for PG activity in Drosophila, the roles of PGs in flies, primarily focused on oogenic activities, and the conservation of PG function in higher animals. We also point out how studies on PGs in a genetic model system, such as flies, can significantly advance our understanding of the molecular actions of PGs.
Oogenesis Prostaglandins Reproduction Gene amplification Enabled Actin cytoskeleton Fascin Cancer

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