The studies outlined in this proposal are designed to provide information on the roles played during Xenopus development by the src proto-oncogene product pp60{superscript c-src} (pp60). Src is a member of a gene family which encodes protein-tyrosine kinases of a non-receptor type. Immunocytochemical methods will be used to identify the types of cells that contain pp60, and to examine the correlation of this presence with different developmemtal processes in these cells. Oocyte and developing embryo phenotypes induced by pertubation of pp60 cellular localization and activity will be investigated. Particular attention will be paid to oocyte maturation and nervous system maturation, which are likely to be sensitive to pp60 function. The results of this work should provide detailed information on the function of pp60, and increased knowledge of the general functions of cellular protein-tyrosine kinases.
