The strength and periodicity of D. melanogaster circadian rhythms are differentially affected by alterations in period gene expression.
The per gene of D. melanogaster influences or participates in the generation of biological rhythms. Previous experiments have identified the head as the location from which per exerts its effect on circadian rhythms. To localize further this region and to examine the effects of altered levels and altered spatial expression patterns of the per gene on circadian rhythms of locomotor activity, we have characterized transformed lines containing per gene constructs missing substantial cis-acting regulatory information. The data suggest that wild-type levels of per gene expression are necessary in only a small fraction of the nervous system for near wild-type periods, whereas a larger fraction of per-expressing cells in the brain contributes to the strength of the circadian rhythms.
Liu
X
X
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254.
Yu
Q A
QA
Huang
Z S
ZS
Zwiebel
L J
LJ
Hall
J C
JC
Rosbash
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005838:Genotype; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D010957:Plasmids; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C539040:PER protein, Drosophila; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D011506:Proteins