Kinome RNAi screen reported in G3

Parsons LM, Grzeschik NA, Amaratunga K, Burke P, Quinn LM, Richardson HE. A Kinome RNAi Screen in Drosophila Identifies Novel Genes Interacting with Lgl, aPKC and Crb Cell Polarity Genes in Epithelial Tissues. G3 (Bethesda). 2017 Jun 13. PMID: 28611255.

From the abstract: "... To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms that coordinate cell polarity with tissue growth, we screened a boutique collection of RNAi stocks targeting the kinome for their capacity to modify Drosophila 'cell polarity' eye and wing phenotypes. ... We next conducted a secondary screen to test whether these cell polarity modifiers altered tissue overgrowth associated with depletion of Lgl in the wing. These screens identified Hippo, JNK, and Notch signalling pathways, previously linked to cell polarity regulation of tissue growth. Furthermore, novel pathways, not previously connected to cell polarity regulation of tissue growth were identified, including Wingless (Wg/Wnt), Ras and lipid/Phospho-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathways. Additionally, we demonstrated that the 'nutrient sensing' kinases, Salt Inducible Kinase 2 and 3 (SIK2 and 3) are potent modifiers of cell polarity phenotypes and regulators of tissue growth. ..."

in vivo RNAi screen explores MANF ortholog DmManf

Lindström R, Lindholm P, Palgi M, Saarma M, Heino TI. In vivo screening reveals interactions between Drosophila Manf and genes involved in the mitochondria and the ubiquinone synthesis pathway. BMC Genet. 2017 Jun 2;18(1):52. PMID: 28578657; PMCID: PMC5455201.

From the abstract: "Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) and Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor (CDNF) form an evolutionarily conserved family of neurotrophic factors. Orthologues for MANF/CDNF are the only neurotrophic factors as yet identified in invertebrates with conserved amino acid sequence. ... Here, we have employed the Drosophila genetics to screen for potential interaction partners of Drosophila Manf (DmManf) in vivo. ... In addition to the previously known functions of MANF/CDNF protein family, DmManf also interacts with mitochondria-related genes. Our data supports the functional importance of these evolutionarily significant proteins and provides new insights for the future studies."