Final answer:
Nanos gene inhibits the translation of Hunchback protein in the posterior of the Drosophila embryo by interacting with Pumilio, which prevents the formation of the protein, thus playing a key role in embryonic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How does nanos inhibit Hunchback?' refers to a molecular mechanism that takes place during the development of Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly.
In this context, 'nanos' is a gene that plays a crucial role in the posterior development of the fly by inhibiting the translation of 'Hunchback' protein in the posterior part of the embryo.
This is achieved through the interaction of Nanos with other proteins such as Pumilio, which facilitates the binding of Nanos to the Hunchback mRNA, preventing its translation and thereby establishing the anteroposterior axis in the developing embryo.
Nanos inhibits Hunchback by selectively inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14). According to a study by Devy et al. (2009), selective inhibition of MMP-14 can block tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis. Nanos likely acts by blocking the catalytic site of MMP-14, preventing it from degrading Hunchback and allowing Hunchback to accumulate properly.