Visualizing septins in early Drosophila embryos

TL;DR

This paper presents protocols for visualizing septins in early Drosophila embryos using immunofluorescence and live microscopy, facilitating studies on septin dynamics and functions in animal cell division.

Contribution

It introduces new methods for observing septins in Drosophila embryos, enhancing understanding of their roles beyond cytokinesis.

Findings

Protocols enable detailed visualization of septins in early embryos

Fluorescent fusion lines facilitate live imaging of septin dynamics

Methods support future studies on septin functions in development

Abstract

Functional studies in Drosophila have been key for establishing a role for the septin family of proteins in animal cell division and thus extending for the first time observations from the budding yeast to animal cells. Visualizing the distribution of specific septins in different Drosophila tissues and, in particular, in the Drosophila embryo, together with biochemical and mutant phenotype data, has contributed important advances to our understanding of animal septin biology, suggesting roles in processes other than in cytokinesis. Septin localization using immunofluorescence assays has been possible due to the generation of antibodies against different Drosophila septins. The recent availability of lines expressing fluorescent protein fusions of specific septins further promises to facilitate studies on septin dynamics. Here, we provide protocols for preparing early Drosophila embryos to visualize septins using immunofluorescence assays and live fluorescence microscopy. The genetic tractability of the Drosophila embryo together with its amenability to high-resolution fluorescence microscopy promises to provide novel insights into animal septin structure and function.