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The N-Terminal Prodomain Of Sv23 Is Essential For The Assembly Of A Functional Vitelline Membrane Network In Drosophila, Anita L. Manogaran, Gail L. Waring

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

The vitelline membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds and protects the oocyte. Recent studies indicate that it also serves as a storage site for embryonic pattern determinants. sV23, a major vitelline membrane protein, is essential for the morphogenesis of the vitelline membrane as sV23 protein null mutants lay flaccid, infertile eggs. By analyzing a series of sV23 mutant transgenes in the sV23 protein null genetic background, we have shown that sV23 is secreted as a proprotein in functional excess and that C- and N-terminal prodomains are removed successively, following its deposition in the extracellular space. Although a target …