RNA binding protein sex-lethal (Sxl) and control of Drosophila sex determination and dosage compensation.
In the past two decades, scientists have elucidated the molecular mechanisms behind Drosophila sex determination and dosage compensation. These two processes are controlled essentially by two different sets of genes, which have in common a master regulatory gene, Sex-lethal (Sxl). Sxl encodes one of the best-characterized members of the family of RNA binding proteins. The analysis of different mechanisms involved in the regulation of the three identified Sxl target genes (Sex-lethal itself, transformer, and male specific lethal-2) has contributed to a better understanding of translation repression, as well as constitutive and alternative splicing. Studies using the Drosophila system have identified the features of the protein that contribute to its target specificity and regulatory functions. In this article, we review the existing data concerning Sxl protein, its biological functions, and the regulation of its target genes.
Penalva
Luiz O F
LO
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. penal002@mc.duke.edu
Sánchez
Lucas
L
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D004303:Dosage Compensation, Genetic; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D019849:Sex Determination Processes; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; C067777:Sxl protein, Drosophila