Figure 4. Expression of hNF2 isoforms affects expression and localization of endogenous Drosophila Merlin.

Larval wing imaginal discs are shown stained for hNF2 (A, C) or Drosophila Merlin (B, D) proteins. hNF2 expression is driven specifically in the dorsal half of the wing epithelium by the apterous-Gal4 driver. Images are projections of a series of tangential confocal optical sections, showing protein primarily localized to the apical surface of the epithelium. Expression of isoform 1 (A–B) results in increased Merlin protein levels and redistribution into punctate structures at the apical surface. In contrast, expression of isoform 2, while also causing increased expression of Merlin, does not cause redistribution away from the junctional region. Insets at lower right of each panel show higher magnification views of subcellular localization.