Linkage and evolutionary diversification of developmentally regulated multigene families: tandem arrays of the 401/18 chorion gene pair in silkmoths.
The coordinately expressed silkmoth chorion genes, 401 and 18, are closely linked as a pair, in divergent orientation. Analysis of overlapping clones (chromosomal "walk") demonstrated that each of the multiple copies of this gene pair is embedded within a larger deoxyribonucleic acid unit, which is tandemly repeated in a few arrays or possibly a single array. Southern analysis and examination of clones from a single individual moth demonstrated that the repeat units are extensively polymorphic in restriction sites, length, and possibly number, no differential amplification was evident during choriogenesis. Intron and 5'-flanking sequences were shown to be specific for the 401/18 gene pair and not to be present elsewhere in the genome. The spatial distribution of variations in the genes and their flanking sequences were examined.
Jones
C W
CW
Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Harvard University Biological Laboratories, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Kafatos
F C
FC
D000818:Animals; D012831:Bombyx / Q000235:genetics*; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D004527:Egg Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D018628:Gene Dosage; D017344:Genes, Insect; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D008297:Male; D005810:Multigene Family / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D004527:Egg Proteins; C015753:chorion proteins