title: Deletion mapping in the Enhancer of split complex.
abstract: The Enhancer of split complex [E(spl)-C] comprises twelve genes of different classes. Seven genes encode proteins of with a basic-helix-loop-helix-orange (bHLH-O) domain that function as transcriptional repressors and serve as effectors of the Notch signalling pathway. They have been named E(spl)m8-, m7-, m5-, m3-, mβ-, mγ- and mδ-HLH. Four genes, E(spl)m6-, m4-, m2- and mα-BFM are intermingled and encode Notch repressor proteins of the Bearded-family (BFM). The complex is split by a single gene of unrelated function, encoding a Kazal-type protease inhibitor (Kaz-m1). All members within a family, bHLH-O or BFM, are very similar in structure and in function. In an attempt to generate specific mutants, we have mobilised P-element constructs residing next to E(spl)m7-HLH and E(spl)mγ-HLH, respectively. The resulting deletions were mapped molecularly and by cytology. Two small deletions affected only E(spl)m7-HLH and E(spl)mδ. The deficient flies were viable without apparent phenotype. Larger deletions, generated also by X-ray mutagenesis, uncover most of the E(spl)-C. The phenotypes of homozygous deficient embryos were analysed to characterize the respective loss of Notch signalling activity.
authors.affiliation: Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Department of Forensic Biology, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wurmbach
authors.forename: Anette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Preiss
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D017344:Genes, Insect; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D005810:Multigene Family; D016296:Mutagenesis; D010641:Phenotype; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000235:genetics; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D012097:Repressor Proteins; C121960:E(spl)m7-HLH protein, Drosophila