corto genetically interacts with Pc-G and trx-G genes and maintains the anterior boundary of Ultrabithorax expression in Drosophila larvae.
In Drosophila melanogaster, segment identity is determined by specific expression of homeotic genes (Hox). The Hox expression pattern is first initiated by gap and pair-rule genes and then maintained by genes of the Polycomb-group (Pc-G) and the trithorax-group (trx-G). The corto gene is a putative regulator of the Hox genes since mutants exhibit homeotic transformations. We show here that, in addition to previously reported genetic interactions with the Pc-G genes Enhancer of zeste, Polycomb and polyhomeotic, mutations in corto enhance the extra-sex-comb phenotype of multi sex combs, Polycomb-like and Sex combs on midleg. corto also genetically interacts with a number of trx-G genes (ash1, kismet, kohtalo, moira, osa, Trithorax-like and Vha55). The interactions with genes of the trx-G lead to phenotypes displayed in the wing, in the postpronotum or in the thoracic mechanosensory bristles. In addition, we analyzed the regulation of the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) in corto mutants. Our results provide evidence that corto maintains the anterior border of Ubx expression in third-instar larvae. We suggest that this regulation is accomplished through an interaction with the products of the Pc-G and trx-G genes.
Lopez
A
A
Equipe Développement et Evolution, Biologie du Développement, UMR 7622 CNRS, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 9, Quai Saint-Bernard, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Higuet
D
D
Rosset
R
R
Deutsch
J
J
Peronnet
F
F
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D017344:Genes, Insect; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007814:Larva; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000002:abnormalities; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D063150:Polycomb Repressive Complex 1; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000002:abnormalities
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D019476:Insect Proteins; C066770:Pc protein, Drosophila; D014157:Transcription Factors; C063460:Trl protein, Drosophila; C066177:Ubx protein, Drosophila; C110988:corto protein, Drosophila; D063150:Polycomb Repressive Complex 1