The Drosophila MSL complex activates the transcription of target genes.
The mechanism through which gene expression originating from the single male or the two female X chromosomes in Drosophila is adjusted to autosomal gene expression has remained controversial. According to the prevalent model, transcription of the male X is increased twofold by the male-specific-lethal (MSL) complex. However, a significant body of data supports an alternative model, whereby compensation involves a global repression of autosomal gene expression in males by sequestration and neutralization of an activator onto the X chromosome. In order to rigorously discriminate between these models we identified direct target genes for the MSL complex and quantified transcription in absolute terms after knockdown of MSL2. The results unequivocally document an approximate twofold activation of target genes by the MSL complex.
Straub
Tobias
T
Adolf Butenandt-Institute, Molecular Biology Unit, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany.
Gilfillan
Gregor D
GD
Maier
Verena K
VK
Becker
Peter B
PB
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014998:Y Chromosome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C082132:msl-1 protein, Drosophila; C094166:msl-2 protein, Drosophila