Interactions among the bHLH domains of the proteins encoded by the Enhancer of split and achaete-scute gene complexes of Drosophila.
The Enhancer of split and achaete-scute gene complexes [E(spl)-C and AS-C] encode helix-loop-helix proteins required for neurogenesis in Drosophila. Using a heterologous bacterial system, we show that (i) the bHLH domains of the proteins encoded by the two gene complexes differ in their ability to form homo- and/or heterodimers; (ii) the bHLH domains of the E(spl)-C proteins m5, m7 and m8 interact with the bHLH domains of the Ac and Sc proteins. These bHLH domains form an interaction network which may represent the molecular mechanism whereby the competent state of the proneural cells is maintained until the terminal determination to neuroblast occurs. Also, the pattern of interactions of the bHLH domains of certain proteins encoded by the two gene complexes may explain their functional redundancy.
Gigliani
F
F
Dipartimento di Biopatologia Umana, Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
Longo
F
F
Gaddini
L
L
Battaglia
P A
PA
D000818:Animals; D010582:Bacteriophage lambda; D001483:Base Sequence; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D018257:Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / Q000502:physiology*; D007301:Insect Hormones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D014764:Viral Proteins; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D007301:Insect Hormones; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014764:Viral Proteins; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; C084530:E(spl)mdelta-HLH protein, Drosophila; C089199:ac protein, Drosophila; C016649:phage repressor proteins; C089197:sc protein, Drosophila