A new family of genes which, when mutated, suppress the inhibitory effect of the mod(mdg4)1u1 mutation on y2 expression in Drosophila melanogaster

Mol Gen Genet. 1997 Dec;257(1):83-90. doi: 10.1007/s004380050626.

Abstract

The suppressor of Hairy-wing [su(Hw)] protein inhibits the function of transcriptional enhancers located distal to the promoter with respect to the location of su(Hw)-binding sites (insulation). Mutations in the modifier of mdg4 [mod(mdg4)] interfere with insulation and enhance the effect of the su(Hw)-binding region inserted in the y2 mutation by inhibiting the function of regulatory elements located on both sides of the su(Hw)-binding region. From P-M hybrid dysgenic crosses, 21 mutations that suppress the negative effect of the mod(mdg4)1u1 mutation on the y2 allele were obtained among 47,000 flies scored. These Su(mg) mutations have a dominant suppressor effect and map to at least 13 different loci. Some of Su(mg) mutations also suppress the effect of mod(mdg4)1u1 on two other gypsy-induced mutations, scD1 and ct6. Most of Su(mg) mutations do not affect the viability or fertility of homozygous flies. We speculate that the Su(mg) genes represent a new family of redundant regulatory genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genes, Insect*
  • Genes, Suppressor*
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • mod(mdg4) protein, Drosophila