DROSOPHILA UNCONVENTIONAL MYOSIN-VI IS INVOLVED IN INTRACELLULAR AND INTERCELLULAR TRANSPORT DURING OOGENESIS

During mid-oogenesis of Drosophila, cytoplasmic particles are transpor ted within the nurse cells and through ring canals (cytoplasmic bridge s) into the oocyte by means of a microfilament-dependent mechanism. Vi deo-intensified fluorescence timelapse microscopy, in combination with microinjections of antibodies directed against Drosophila 95F myosin, have revealed that this unconventional myosin of class VI is involved in the transport processes. The results indicate that certain cytopla smic particles in the nurse cells move along microfilaments due to the ir direct association with myosin VI motors. Additional myosin-VI mole cules located at the rim of the ring canals seem to be involved in par ticle transport into the oocyte. Microinjected mitochondria-specific d yes have revealed that some of these particles are mitochondria.