Expression and cellular localization of the Toucan protein during Drosophila oogenesis

The toucan (toc) gene is required in the germline for somatic cell patterni ng during Drosophila oogenesis. To better understand the function of roc, w e performed a detailed analysis of the distribution of the Toucan protein d uring oogenesis. Toc expression is restricted to the germline cells and sho ws a dynamic distribution pattern throughout follicle development. Mislocal ization of the Toc protein in mutant follicles in which the microtubule net work is altered indicates that microtubules play a role in Toc localization during oogenesis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserv ed.