Publication

Abstract : Increasing evidence suggests conservation of cardiovascular molecules between vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrate Rudhira, an evolutionary conserved \{WD40\} protein is expressed during primitive erythropoiesis, neoangiogenesis and tumors. We report here the expression profile of the Drosophila ortholog of Rudhira (DRudh) in the fly life cycle. \{DRudh\} is expressed specifically in all post-embryonic pericardial cells (PCs) and garland cells (GCs). This is the first report of a cytoplasmic marker highly specific to post-embryonic PCs. Embryonic \{PCs\} belong to three distinct genetic classes based on Odd-skipped (Odd), Even-skipped (Eve) and Tinman (Tin) expression. To identify which among these three classes of \{PCs\} expresses \{DRudh\} in post-embryonic stages, we analyzed expression of embryonic \{PC\} markers in the post-embryonic stages. Unlike in the embryo all larval \{PCs\} show an identical gene expression profile. While Odd and Eve expression is mutually exclusive in the embryonic PCs, these two markers are co-expressed in larval \{PCs\} but show a distinct subcellular localization. Tin is not expressed in any post-embryonic PC. Additionally larval \{PCs\} also express the \{GATA\} factor, Serpent (Srp) and the extracellular matrix protein, Pericardin (Prc). While \{PC\} number is known to decrease post-embryogenesis, which of the Odd or Eve lineage embryonic \{PCs\} persists is not known. Co-expression of the two distinct lineage markers only in post-embryonic stages indicates a complex temporal regulation of gene expression in PCs.