Probing the Drosophila Circadian System with Enhancer Detectors.
Abstract
The overall goals of this project are to: (1) identify candidate clock genes by analyzing the spatial expression patterns and circadian activity rhythm phenotypes of enhancer detector P-element insertion lines and (2) isolate these genes (or cDNA copies thereof) using the P-element as a molecular marker. We have screened through >3000 independent insertion lines. Among these, tilde 2% of the lines produced spatial expression patterns similar to that of known clock genes, period and timeless. Behavioral rhythms were tested in 63 lines, and only one line consistently gives a tilde 1 hour lengthening in period. The insert was characterized and found to reside in period gene regulatory sequences. We have used this line to define the developmental expression of the period gene, identify cell types during larval and pupal development, and to study period gene regulation by creating mutations due to imprecise excision of this insertion. By screening through 150 additional insertion lines for behavioral alterations, we have identified 2 lines which are arrhythmic. These lines are currently being verified by reverting the phenotypes through precise excision of the inserts. These studies have provided insight into period gene expression at all developmental stages and may ultimately result in the isolation of new clock genes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345723
Entities
People
- Paul Hardin
- Vincent Cassone
Organizations
- Texas A&M University