Building an interactome: Identifying novel Akirin-interacting factors. William Dawkins, Meghan Troutt, Aayushi Bhagwanji, Kate Majeski, Shelby Rogers, Scott J. Nowak. Department of Biology and Physics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

   The specification and differentiation of muscle precursor cells, or myoblasts, by the action of the Twist mesodermal and muscle transcription regulator is a key event in the formation of the Drosophila larval musculature. However, despite the primary importance of myoblast specification and differentiation for building and patterning the musculature, the identities of many molecular players in this process remain unknown. We have recently determined that Akirin, a highly conserved nuclear protein, appears to play a critical role in the regulation of Twist-dependent gene expression during mesodermal specification and muscle development. We performed a genetic interaction screen to identify Akirin interacting-proteins that have essential roles during the process of muscle specification and patterning. Using our screening method, we have identified a number of loci that genetically interact with Akirin during muscle patterning. Our list of positive Akirin-interacting partners includes factors involved in general transcription initiation, as well as components of chromatin remodeling complexes. Identification of the cast of molecular players that work with Akirin will provide crucial insight into Akirins mechanism of molecular action during myoblast specification and muscle patterning.