The AP-2 transcription factor is required for joint formation and cell survival in <i>Drosophila</i> leg development

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flies mutant for the Drosophila homologue of the mammalian transcription factor AP-2 show a severe reduction in leg length and fail to develop joint structures. Presumptive joint cells express dAP-2 in response to Notch signaling. dAP-2 is required for joint cell differentiation and can induce formation of supernumerary joints when misexpressed. Although dAP-2 is expressed only in presumptive joint cells, its activity is required to support cell survival in the entire leg segment. Taken together, our data indicate that dAP-2 is an important mediator of Notch activity in leg development.