A targeted gain of function screen in the embryonic CNS of Drosophila.
In order to identify genes involved in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) we have undertaken a gain of function screen in the embryonic CNS of Drosophila. Transposable P-elements and the UAS/GAL4 system were used to initiate transcription of genes in a pan-neural pattern using scaGAL4. Over 4100 individual P-element insertion lines were screened with monoclonal antibodies BP102 and 1D4 to visualize axon pathways. Twenty-five P-element insertions corresponding to 18 genes resulted in aberrant CNS axon pathfinding when misexpressed with scaGAL4. Genes involved in axon guidance, embryonic patterning, and cell cycle regulation were isolated. In addition, we identified several zinc finger transcription factors not previously implicated in axon guidance or CNS development. This group includes Squeeze, Kruppel homolog-1, Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4, and two uncharacterized genes, CG11966 and CG9650. Calnexin99A, a putative molecular chaperone, was isolated as well.
Department of Molecular Genetics and The Center for Molecular Neurobiology, 125 Rightmire Hall, The Ohio State University, 1060 Carmack Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Vicki L
VL
McGovern
Christina A
CA
Pacak
Stephen T
ST
Sewell
Michelle L
ML
Turski
Mark A
MA
Seeger
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology; D037281:Calnexin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology*; D051557:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology*; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051557:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D037281:Calnexin