KP elements repress P-induced hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
Molecular and genetic analysis has revealed a specific P factor deletion derivative (the KP element) which is able to repress P-induced hybrid dysgenesis. All naturally occurring strains lacking the P cytotype (M') that were examined, throughout the world contain up to 30 copies of KP per haploid genome together with complete P factors. The KP element is derived from the P factor by an internal deletion of 1753 bp removing nucleotides 808-2560 and is transcribed to yield an abundant 0.8-kb poly(A)+ RNA with the coding capacity for an in-frame 207 amino acid polypeptide. Genetic crosses show that KP elements preferentially accumulate in the presence of P factors and suppress hybrid dysgenesis. Suppression is transmitted through both sexes and is thus distinct from the maternally transmitted P cytotype mode of suppression. The spread of KP elements is probably due to the continual selection of individuals with the highest numbers of KP elements in which P-induced hybrid dysgenesis is suppressed.
Black
D M
DM
Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK.
Jackson
M S
MS
Kidwell
M G
MG
Dover
G A
GA
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D007246:Infertility; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation
D004251:DNA Transposable Elements