Nuclear localization of Pretaporter in Drosophila melanogaster third-instar larvae salivary gland and its deficiency-associated nuclear phenotype.

ABSTRACT

The Drosophila melanogaster protein Pretaporter, is thought to reside in the endoplasmic reticulum and relocate to the plasma membrane during apoptosis. However, very little is known about its subcellular distribution in different cell types and conditions. Here, we present the first report of Pretaporter´s subcellular distribution in the salivary gland cells of Drosophila third-instar larvae, finding it enriched in cell membranes, apical granules, and unexpectedly within cell nuclei. Pretaporter loss-of-function mutants exhibited hypotrophied nuclei, suggesting a potential role in DNA endoreplication control. These findings prompt a reevaluation of Pretaporter's functions and encourage future research aimed at unraveling novel roles.