Time-specific regulation of airway clearance by the Drosophila J-domain transmembrane protein Wurst

► We have analyzed the Wurst requirement for airway liquid-clearance and air-filling in Drosophila. ► Wurst activity is required in tracheal cells at the final embryonic stage 17. ► Wurst and Dynamin are required for endocytosis-mediated airway liquid-clearance at stage 17. ► Apical Wurst localization in tracheal cells is involved in airway liquid-clearance. ► Wurst is a key regulator for tracheal physiology in Drosophila.