KP elements repress P-induced hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster

EMBO J. 1987 Dec 20;6(13):4125-35. doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1987.tb02758.x.

Abstract

Molecular and genetic analysis has revealed a specific P factor deletion derivative (the KP element) which is able to repress P-induced hybrid dysgenesis. All naturally occurring strains lacking the P cytotype (M') that were examined, throughout the world contain up to 30 copies of KP per haploid genome together with complete P factors. The KP element is derived from the P factor by an internal deletion of 1753 bp removing nucleotides 808-2560 and is transcribed to yield an abundant 0.8-kb poly(A)+ RNA with the coding capacity for an in-frame 207 amino acid polypeptide. Genetic crosses show that KP elements preferentially accumulate in the presence of P factors and suppress hybrid dysgenesis. Suppression is transmitted through both sexes and is thus distinct from the maternally transmitted P cytotype mode of suppression. The spread of KP elements is probably due to the continual selection of individuals with the highest numbers of KP elements in which P-induced hybrid dysgenesis is suppressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • DNA Transposable Elements*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • Infertility
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X06590