Identification of fat-cell enhancer activity in Drosophila melanogaster using P-element enhancer traps.
To identify genes important in fat-cell metabolism and development, we have screened Drosophila stocks carrying an engineered transposable element that can reveal the presence of nearby enhancer elements. We have identified those "enhancer-trap lines" that contain transposable P elements integrated near fat-cell specific enhancer elements. We anticipate that the genes associated with these enhancers will provide information concerning fat-cell function and serve as target genes for studying fat-cell specific gene expression. Furthermore, the identification of enhancer-trap lines active in the developing fat cell should provide an entry point into the molecular and genetic analysis of early fat-cell development. Analysis of two lines has revealed that the transcription factors svp, a steroid-hormone receptor, and Kr, a zinc-finger protein, are present in the fat body; these factors are likely to be involved in fat-cell gene expression. In two other lines, beta-galactosidase was detected in a subset of adepithelial cells that may be the precursors to the adult fat cell. And finally, in a single line transgene activity is present in the progenitor cells of the embryonic fat body. The genes associated with these enhancer-trap lines may be involved in fat-cell development.
Hoshizaki
D K
DK
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Department of Biochemistry 60612, USA.
Lunz
R
R
Ghosh
M
M
Johnson
W
W
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004742:Enhancer Elements, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D005216:Fat Body / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D017344:Genes, Insect; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D016335:Zinc Fingers; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D014157:Transcription Factors; C094295:svp protein, Drosophila; D001616:beta-Galactosidase