Empty spiracles, a gap gene containing a homeobox involved in Drosophila head development.

摘要: Abstract The empty spiracles (ems) gene of Drosophila melanogaster is necessary for proper head formation and the development posterior spiracles. We have isolated a homeobox-containing gene, W13, by cross-homology using muscle segment homeobox (msh) as probe. The W13 maps at 88A, where ems locus has been previously localized genetically. sequence alterations found in coding region from two mutant alleles show that gene. A 2.4 kb RNA corresponding to transcript expressed cellular blastoderm throughout all embryonic larval stages. In situ hybridization whole mount embryos reveals domains expression. During stage developing single anterior band. This correlated with its possible function an gap preantennal, antennal intercalary segments required sense organ, optic lobe parts skeleton. early expression controlled morphogen bicoid (bcd). Using fusion we identified cis-acting element which target bcd product. Later during embryogenesis lateral regions each segment, tracheal pits form neuroblasts originate, well late partially correlates defects seen tree embryos. addition homeodomain, N-terminal portion predicted protein very proline-rich, whereas C-terminus acidic profile consistent role product transcription factor.