Bourbon and Mycbp function with Otu to promote Sxl protein expression in the <i>Drosophila</i> female germline.

Abstract

In <i>Drosophila</i> ovaries, germ cells differentiate through several stages of cyst development before entering meiosis. This early differentiation program depends on both the stepwise deployment of specific regulatory mechanisms and on maintenance of germline sexual identity. The study of female sterile mutations that result in formation of germ cell tumors has been invaluable in identifying the mechanisms that control these developmental events. Here, we characterize the germ cell-enriched gene <i>bourbon (bbn),</i> null mutants of which cause the formation of a mixture of agametic ovarioles and cystic germ cell tumors. We performed proteomic analysis and found Bbn forms a complex with Ovarian tumor (Otu), a protein previously linked with regulation of the sex determination factor <i>Sex lethal</i> (<i>Sxl</i>), and the <i>Drosophila</i> ortholog of c-Myc binding protein (Mycbp). Loss of <i>Mycbp</i> also results in the formation of cystic germ cell tumors. Bbn promotes the stability of Otu and fosters interactions between Otu and Mycbp. Germ cells from <i>bbn</i> and <i>Mycbp</i> mutants display a loss of Sxl expression specifically in the germline. Transgenic rescue experiments show the <i>bbn</i> sterile phenotype is independent from <i>Sxl</i> splicing defects. Further evidence suggests Otu physically interacts with and promotes Sxl protein stability. This function does not depend on Otu's deubiquitinase activity. Last, we find the human orthologs of Otu and Mycbp, OTUD4, and MYCBP, also physically interact, suggesting conservation of function. Together these data provide insights into how a conserved complex promotes the germline expression of Sxl protein and the differentiation of <i>Drosophila</i> germ cells.