The level of C/EBP protein is critical for cell migration during Drosophila oogenesis and is tightly controlled by regulated degradation.

The C/EBP transcription factor, Slbo, is required for migration of border cells during Drosophila oogenesis. Unexpectedly, we find that neither increase nor decrease of Slbo activity is tolerated in border cells. Correct protein level is in part ensured by cell type-specific regulated turnover of Slbo protein. Through genetic screening, we identify two genes that are involved in this regulation. The Ubp64 ubiquitin hydrolase acts as a stabilizer of Slbo protein. A novel gene, tribbles, is a negative regulator of slbo in vivo. Tribbles acts by specifically targeting Slbo for rapid degradation via ubiquitination.