Abstract
Neuroblasts in the developing Drosophila CNS asymmetrically localize the cell fate determinants Numb and Prospero as well as prospero RNA to the basal cortex during mitosis. The localization of Prospero requires the function of inscuteable and miranda, whereas prospero RNA localization requires inscuteable and staufen function. We demonstrate that Miranda contains multiple functional domains: an amino-terminal asymmetric localization domain, which interacts with Inscuteable, a central Numb interaction domain, and a more carboxy-terminal Prospero interaction domain. We also show that Miranda and Staufen have similar subcellular localization patterns and interact in vitro. Furthermore, miranda function is required for the asymmetric localization of Staufen. Miranda localization is disrupted by the microfilament disrupting agent latrunculin A. Our results suggest that Miranda directs the basal cortical localization of multiple molecules, including Staufen and prospero RNA, in mitotic neuroblasts in an actin-dependent manner.