Analysis of the shortvein cis-regulatory region of the decapentaplegic gene of Drosophila melanogaster.
In mammals, the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily controls a variety of developmental processes. In Drosophila, by contrast, a single member of the superfamily, decapentaplegic (dpp) performs most TGF-beta developmental functions. The complexity of dpp functions is reflected in the complex cis-regulatory sequences that flank the gene. Dpp is divided into three regions: Hin, including the protein-coding exons; disk, including 3' cis-regulatory sequences; and shortvein (shv), including noncoding exons and 5' cis-regulatory sequences. We analyzed the cis-regulatory structure of the shortvein region using a nested series of rearrangement breakpoints and rescue constructs. We delimit the molecular regions responsible for three mutant phenotypes: larval lethality, wing venation defects, and head capsule defects. Multiple overlapping elements are responsible for larval lethality and wing venation defects. However, the area regulating head capsule formation is distinct, and resides 5' to these elements. We have demonstrated this by isolating and describing two novel dpp alleles, which affect only the adult head capsule.
Division of Cell and Gene Therapy, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Brian G
BG
Stultz
Robert P
RP
Ray
Deborah A
DA
Hursh
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D019457:Chromosome Breakage / Q000235:genetics; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006257:Head / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000254:growth & development; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / Q000235:genetics*; D014921:Wings, Animal / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C064196:dpp protein, Drosophila