| Biological processes are dynamic, requiring both simple and complex mechanisms that enable cells to adapt with the ever-changing environment. Ubiquitination is one of many posttranslational modifications that result in a change in cellular activity. Mono-ubiquitination, the addition of a single ubiquitin moeity leads to endocytosis and membrane trafficking, while the addition of a multiple ubiquitin chains primarily results in protein degradation. Rap/Fzr acts as an activator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) which has been studied for its role in the timely degradation of cell cycle regulators. My thesis work focuses on novel roles Rap/Fzr during nervous system development and specifically investigates its role during glia development. My results show that Rap/Fzr regulates glia development through its interaction with Loco, an RGS protein and Nonstop, a ubiquitin specific protease. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that both Loco and Nonstop contain Destruction box (D-box) motifs and KEN box motifs, which are amino acid sequences used by Rap/Fzr for substrate recognition. My thesis work shows that Rap/Fzr targets Loco for ubiquitination, and subsequent degradation and thus, inhibits the formation of glia from dividing neuroblasts. Furthermore, Rap/Fzr together with Nonstop, regulates the migration and the endoreplication of glia cells. |
