Molecular genetics of pecanex, a maternal-effect neurogenic locus of Drosophila melanogaster that potentially encodes a large transmembrane protein.
In the absence of maternal expression of the pecanex gene, the embryo develops severe hyperneuralization similar to that characteristic of Notch mutant embryos. We have extended a previous molecular analysis of the chromosomal interval that encompasses pecanex by using additional deficiencies to localize the locus on the molecular map. RNA blot analysis shows that the locus encodes a rare 9-kb transcript as well as minor transcripts of 3.7 and 2.3 kb. The temporal expression of these transcripts is appropriate for a neurogenic locus. Phenocopies of the mutant phenotype have been produced following microinjection of antisense RNA corresponding to a portion of the pecanex transcripts. Conceptual translation of a partial coding sequence compiled from cDNA and genomic clones indicates that the pecanex locus potentially encodes a large, membrane-spanning protein.
LaBonne
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SG
Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
Sunitha
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I
Mahowald
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AP
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000196:embryology; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics; D015347:RNA Probes; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D015347:RNA Probes; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA