Interaction between mutations in the suppressor of Hairy wing and modifier of mdg4 genes of Drosophila melanogaster affecting the phenotype of gypsy-induced mutations

Genetics. 1996 Feb;142(2):425-36. doi: 10.1093/genetics/142.2.425.

Abstract

The suppressor of Hairy-wing [su(Hw)] protein mediates the mutagenic effect of the gypsy retrotransposon by repressing the function of transcriptional enhancers located distally from the promoter with respect to the position of the su(Hw)-binding region. Mutations in a second gene, modifier of mdg4, also affect the gypsy-induced phenotype. Two major effects of the mod(mdg4)1u1 mutation can be distinguished: the interference with insulation by the su(Hw)-binding region and direct inhibition of gene expression that is not dependent on the su(Hw)-binding region position. The mod(mdg4)1u1 mutation partially suppresses ct6, scD1 and Hw1 mutations, possibly by interfering with the insulation effect of the su(Hw)-binding region. An example of the second effect of mod(mdg4)1u1 is a complete inactivation of yellow expression in combination with the y2 allele. Phenotypic analyses of flies with combinations of mod(mdg4)1u1 and different su(Hw) mutations, or with constructions carrying deletions of the acidic domains of the su(Hw) protein, suggest that the carboxy-terminal acidic domain is important for direct inhibition of yellow transcription in bristles, while the amino-terminal acidic domain is more essential for insulation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Genes, Insect*
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Insect Hormones / genetics
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Retroelements*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Insect Hormones
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Retroelements
  • Transcription Factors
  • ac protein, Drosophila
  • ct protein, Drosophila
  • sc protein, Drosophila
  • su(Hw) protein, Drosophila
  • y protein, Drosophila