Drosophila melanogaster p24 trafficking proteins have vital roles in development and reproduction

Abstract

p24 proteins comprise a family of type-I transmembrane proteins of ~24. kD that are present in yeast and plants as well as metazoans ranging from . Drosophila to humans. These proteins are most commonly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi interface and are incorporated in anterograde and retrograde transport vesicles. Little is known about how disruption of p24 signaling affects individual tissue function or whole animals. . Drosophila melanogaster express nine . p24 genes, grouped into four subfamilies. Based upon our mRNA and protein expression data, . Drosophila p24 family members are expressed in a variety of tissues. To identify functions for particular . Drosophila p24 proteins, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce . p24 expression. Ubiquitous reduction of most . p24 genes resulted in complete or partial lethality during development. We found that reducing . p24 levels in adults caused defects in female fecundity (egg laying) and also reduced male fertility. We attributed reduced female fecundity to decreased neural . p24 expression. These results provide the first genetic analysis of all . p24 family members in a multicellular animal and indicate vital roles for . Drosophila p24s in development and reproduction, implicating neural expression of p24s in the regulation of female behavior. . © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.