Hypomorphic mutation of the dilp6 gene increases DILP3 expression in insulin-producing cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

The effect of strong hypomorphic mutation of the insulin-like protein DILP6 (dilp6), synthesized in the fat body, on the expression intensity of insulin-like protein DILP3 synthesized in median neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of D. melanogaster brain was examined. The intensity of DILP3 expression in the MNCs of the larvae was evaluated immunohistochemically using antibodies against DILP3 and confocal microscopy. For the first time, it was demonstrated that, in dilp6⁴¹ mutants, there was a sharp increase in DILP3 expression level. The data obtained indicate the existence of negative feedback coordinating the expression of insulin-like proteins synthesized in MNCs and peripheral tissues of Drosophila.