Role of AdamTS-B in Drosophila wing vein formation.

The development of Drosophila wing veins is a complex morphogenetic process that depends on the interplay of different signaling pathways, including EGFR, BMP, Notch, Hedgehog and Wnt. Basement membranes (BMs) and proteases that process BM components play a crucial role in controlling the morphogen spreading and associated patterning required for proper organ formation. Here we show, that AdamTS-B is required for the proper development of Drosophila wing veins. Knockdown of AdamTS-B results in various phenotypes, including additional veins, delta branches, and wandering veins within different longitudinal veins, though there are no differences in the cross veins.