Biotechnology

Biography

Biography: Mousumi Mutsuddi

Abstract

Notch signalling is an evolutionary conserved process that influences cell differentiation, cell proliferation and cell death in a context dependent manner. Notch signalling is fine-tuned at multiple levels and mis-regulation of Notch has been implicated in a variety of human diseases ranging from neurological disorders to cancer. We have identified maheshvara (mahe), a novel gene in Drosophila melanogaster which encodes a putative DEAD box protein that is highly conserved across taxa and belongs to the largest group of RNA helicase. Dynamic pattern of mahe expression along with the maternal accumulation of its transcripts is seen during early stages of embryogenesis. In addition, a strong expression is also seen in the developing nervous system. Ectopic expression of mahe in a wide range of tissue during development results in a variety of defects, many of which resemble typical Notch loss-of-function phenotype. We have shown that ectopic expression of mahe in the wing imaginal disc leads to loss of Notch targets, Cut and Wingless. Interestingly, Notch protein levels are also lowered, whereas no obvious change is seen in the levels of Notch transcripts. In addition, mahe overexpression can significantly rescue ectopic Notch mediated proliferation of eye tissue. Further, we illustrate that mahe genetically interacts with Notch and deltex in transheterozygous combination. Co-expression of Dx and Mahe at D/V boundary results in wing nicking phenotype and a more pronounced loss of Notch target Cut. Taken together we report identification of a novel evolutionary conserved RNA helicase mahe, which plays a vital role in regulation of Notch signalling.