# ASSEMBLY OF THE Z-BAND IN DROSOPHILA FLIGHT MUSCLE

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · 1989 · $145,136

## Abstract

The goal of this research project is to determine the process of
assembly of proteins in the Drosophila Z-band, a structural
component of the myofibril, by using a combination of
developmental and genetic approaches.  We have isolated and
purified intact Z-discs from Drosophila flight muscle and are
developing a family of monoclonal antibodies to several
constituent proteins.  These antibodies will be used as molecular
probes to examine the sequence of assembly of Z-band proteins
appearing during the development of fibrillar flight muscles.
Proteins localization at various stages of myofibrillogenesis will
be carried out by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and
immunoelectron microscopy.

Monoclonal antibodies will also be used to examine several
flightless mutants of Drosophila with structurally disturbed Z-
bands to assess how a mutant gene product influences the
assembly of normal proteins.  Immunocytochemical analysis will
identify Z-band proteins missing from abnormal Z-bands.  Two
dimensional gel electrophoresis experiments will extend these
studies to assess whether z-band proteins whcih are not assembled
but are detectable in the cell by immunoblot analysis are normal
or altered.  Finally, in vitro translation products of RNA from
mutant muscles will be examined to determine which proteins are
actually being synthesized by the cell.

We expect, in many cases, that an examination of translation
products will indicate one aberrant or missing protein, the product
of the mutant gene, whole several components may be absent or
reduced in the muscle tissue.  These proteins are likely to depend
on the mutant protein for proper assembly.  By studying several
strains of flightless mutants which affect Z-band structure in
different ways, we hope to identify protein associations which
establish and maintain the normal Z-band lattice.  It is
anticipated that the studies proposed to gather information on the
assembly of the Drosophila Z-band will serve as a model for
understanding the Z-band in vertebrates and might have long term
application to certain myopathies which have well described Z-
band abnormalities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3158659
- **Project number:** 5R01AR038615-03
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FBYMGMHW4X95
- **Principal Investigator:** JUDITH D SAIDE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $145,136
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-05-01 → 1991-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3158659

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3158659, ASSEMBLY OF THE Z-BAND IN DROSOPHILA FLIGHT MUSCLE (5R01AR038615-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3158659. Licensed CC0.

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