Apterous is a Drosophila LIM domain gene required for the development of a subset of embryonic muscles.

摘要: The recently discovered LIM motif is found in a set of homeodomain-containing proteins thought to mediate the generation particular cell types. Of four domain family members described date, mec-3 and lin-11 determine lineages C. elegans. Isl-1 Xlim-1 may play similar roles vertebrates. We have identified Drosophila member this class, product apterous (ap) gene. During embryogenesis, ap expressed small subset fusing mesodermal precursors that give rise 6 muscles each abdominal hemisegment 5 neurons within corresponding CNS hemisegment. Lack function results loss ap-expressing muscles, while misexpression using heterologous promoter produces ectopic muscles.