scholarly journals GENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE CENTROMERIC HETEROCHROMATIN OF CHROMOSOME 2 OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: DEFICIENCY MAPPING OF EMS-INDUCED LETHAL COMPLEMENTATION GROUPS

Genetics ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-782
Author(s):  
Arthur J Hilliker

ABSTRACT Until recently, little was known of the genetic constitution of the heterochromatic segments of the major autosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. Our previous report described the genetic dissection of the proximal, heterochromatic region of chromosome 2 of Drosophila melanogasterby means of a series of overlapping deficiencies generated by the detachment of compound second autosomes (Hilliker and Holm 1975). Analysis of these deficiencies by inter se complementation, pseudo-dominance tests with proximal mutations and allelism tests with known deficiencies provided evidence for the existence of at least two loci between the centromere and the light locus in 2L and one locus in 2R between the rolled locus and the centromere. These data in conjunction with cytological observations demonstrated that light and rolled and three loci lying between them are located within the proximal heterochromatin of the second chromosome.——The present report describes the further analysis of this region through the induction with ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) of recessive lethals allelic to the 2L and 2R proximal deficiencies associated with the detachment products. Analysis of the 118 EMS-induced recessive lethals and visible mutations recovered provided evidence for seven loci in the 2L heterochromatin and six loci in the 2R heterochromatin, with multiple alleles being obtained for most sites. Of these loci, one in 2L and two in 2R fall near the heterochromatic-euchromatic junctions of 2L and 2R respectively. None of the 113 EMS lethals behaved as a deficiency, implying that the heterochromatic loci uncovered in this study represent nonrepetitive cistrons. Thus functional genetic loci are found in heterochromatin, albeit at a very low density relative to euchromatin.

Genetics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
B T Wakimoto ◽  
M G Hearn

Abstract The light (lt) gene of Drosophila melanogaster is located at the base of the left arm of chromosome 2, within or very near centromeric heterochromatin (2Lh). Chromosome rearrangements that move the lt+ gene from its normal proximal position and place the gene in distal euchromatin result in mosaic or variegated expression of the gene. The cytogenetic and genetic properties of 17 lt-variegated rearrangements are described in this report. We show that five of the heterochromatic genes adjacent to lt are subject to inactivation by these rearrangements and that the euchromatic loci in proximal 2L are not detectably affected. The properties of the rearrangements suggest that proximity to heterochromatin is an important regulatory requirement for at least six 2Lh genes. We discuss how the properties of the position effects on heterochromatic genes relate to other proximity-dependent phenomena such as transvection.


Genetics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
R H Devlin ◽  
B Bingham ◽  
B T Wakimoto

Abstract The light (lt) gene is located in the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosome 2 of Drosophila melanogaster. This gene is necessary for normal levels of pigmentation in a number of adult and larval tissues and is required for viability. Hybrid dysgenic and X-ray induced mutations have been used to identify the gene and compare its organization to that of euchromatic genes. Molecular mapping of lt mutations and its major transcripts has shown that the lt gene is at least 17 kb. By injecting cosmid clones that include this region into lt mutant embryos, we have defined a 30-kb region that can transiently rescue the pigmentation defect in the Malpighian tubules. The major transcription unit of this gene is comprised of exons that are single copy. It is unusual in its organization in having a heterogeneous array of middle repetitive DNA sequences within its intronic and flanking regions.


Genome ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair B Coulthard ◽  
Daniel F Eberl ◽  
Cecil B Sharp ◽  
Arthur J Hilliker

Here we bring together our published and unpublished work with recent published findings of other laboratories to provide a revised map of the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosome 2 and descriptions of the 21 genetic elements therein. These elements consist of 16 vital loci, one male and one female sterile loci, one Minute locus, and two components of the Segregation Distorter system. Based on our latest analysis of the lethal mutant phenotypes of the vital genes, we have provided names for several genes that were previously known by their lethal number assignments.Key words: heterochromatin, Drosophila, cytogenetics.


Genetics ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-293
Author(s):  
M McCarron ◽  
J O'Donnell ◽  
A Chovnick ◽  
B S Bhullar ◽  
J Hewitt ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The present report summarizes our recent progress in the genetic dissection of an elementary genetic unit in a higher organism, the rosy locus (ry: 3-52.0) in Drosophila melanogaster. Pursuing the hypothesis that the rosy locus includes a noncoding control region, as well as a structural element coding for the xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) peptide, experiments are described that characterize and map a rosy locus variant associated with much lower than normal levels of XDH activity. Experiments are described that fail to relate this phenotype to alteration in the structure of the XDH peptide, but clearly associate this character with variation in number of molecules of XDH per fly. Large-scale fine-structure recombination experiments locate the genetic basis for this variation in the number of molecules of XDH per fly to a site immediately to the left of the XDH structural element within a region previously designated as the XDH control element. Moreover, experiments clearly separate this "underproducer" variant site from a previously described "overproducer" site within the control region. Examination of enzyme activity in electrophoretic gels of appropriate heterozygous genotypes demonstrates the cis-acting nature of this variation in the number of molecules of XDH. A revision of the map of the rosy locus, structural and control elements is presented in light of the additional mapping data now available.


Genetics ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 185 (2) ◽  
pp. 479-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair B. Coulthard ◽  
Christina Alm ◽  
Iulia Cealiac ◽  
Don A. Sinclair ◽  
Barry M. Honda ◽  
...  

Genetics ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 705-721
Author(s):  
A J Hilliker ◽  
D G Holm

ABSTRACT To examine the genetic composition of proximal heterochromain in chromosome 2, the detachment of compound second autosomes, for generating proximal deficiencies, appeared a promising method. Compound seconds were detached by gamma radiation. A fraction of the detachment products were recessive lethals owing to proximal deficiencies. Analysis by inter se complementation, pseudo-dominance tests with proximal mutations and allelism tests with known deficiencies provided evidence for at least two loci between the centromere and the light locus in 2L and one locus in 2R between the rolled locus and the centromere. The data further demonstrate that rolled, and probably light, are located within the proximal heterochromatin. Thus, functional genetic loci are found in heterochromatin, albeit at low density.


Genetics ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
R F Grell

ABSTRACT Heat and interchromosomal effects on recombination have been compared for 23 regions comprising the predominantly euchromatic portions of the five arms of the Drosophila genome. Patterns of response are strikingly similar, with both modifiers causing proximal and distal increases and minimal effects in the middle of the arms. Changes in interference for the same regions in the presence of the two modifiers reveal little similarity, except for the X chromosome. The question of independent control of interference and recombination, as well as alternatives for their temporal sequence, is discussed. Recombination response to the two modifiers in the centric heterochromatin of chromosoaime 2 is markedly different from that found in euchromatin. The interchromosomal effect is absent here, whereas heat induces an increase roughly an order of magnitude greater than that found in euchromatin and totally unlike the lack of response in the proximal heterochromatin of the X chromosome. It is proposed that the sequestering of DNA satellite I (thermal dissociation 9-20° lower than that of the other major satellites) in the centromeric heterochromatin of chromosome 2 (but not in X or 3) may account for the increase.


Genetics ◽  
1973 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-487
Author(s):  
Sumio Minamori ◽  
Kinue Sugimoto

ABSTRACT [Delta b], symbolized as [δb], is retained by Sb chromosome lines and transmitted through the females to their progeny. Transmission through the males is not directly demonstrable (Minamori 1969a). [delta r], symbolized as [δr], is retained by Sr chromosome lines and transmitted biparentally (Minamori 1971). The multiplication of delta is suppressed at low temperature. All descendant lines derived from Sb-carrying or Sr-carrying flies in which the presence of delta cannot be demonstrated gradually accumulate their specific delta factors over many generations (Minamori 1969b, 1972). The delta factors and the sensitive chromosomes are inseparably associated. This observation led to the assumption that delta may be a copy of a chromosomal gene or a certain agent integrated into the chromosome (Minamori 1972). This assumption was examined in the present study by experiments designed to induce delta-retaining sensitive chromosomes, and to map the gene(s) responsible for delta-retention and/or for sensitivity to the killing action of delta factor. One sensitive chromosome which retained [δb] (Sb chromosome) was obtained in the presence of [δb] out of 2492 insensitive chromosomes which retained no delta; in addition one Sb chromosome was obtained in the presence of [δr] out of 2131 insensitives. The latter finding suggests that Sb might be induced by a mutation caused by [δb] or [δr], but not by integration of either delta into the chromosome. Four Sb chromosomes and one sensitive chromosome which retained [δr] (Sr chromosome) were obtained out of 1970 insensitives when males carrying the chromosome were fed an alkylating mutagen, ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). The location of delta-retaining genes was examined by crossing-over experiments employing eight Sb and five Sr chromosomes. The genes on these chromosomes were found to be located in the same region or near one another. The gene for [δb], symbolized as Dab, and the gene for [δr], symbolized as Dar, are assumed to be multiple alleles of a locus at 2-24.9. The sensitivity of the chromosomes was modified appreciably by recombination; hence, the genes controlling this trait are assumed to be a polygenic system. The findings obtained in this study lead to the hypothesis that delta may be produced by a chromosomal gene (Da) and transmitted extrachromosomally.


Genetics ◽  
1973 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-86
Author(s):  
Arthur P Mange ◽  
L Sandler

ABSTRACT Two deficiencies for, and a dominant enhancer of, the second chromosome maternal effect mutant, "daughterless" (da), were induced with X-irradiation. Their properties were studied with respect to both da and the linked maternal effect mutant, "abnormal oocyte" (abo), with the following conclusions. (1) The most probable map positions of da and abo are: J–½–da–2½–abo, where J is a dominant marker located at 41 on the standard map. (2) The da locus is in bands 31CD-F on the polytene chromosome map; abo is to the right of 32A. (3) Because homozygous da individuals survive while individuals carrying da and a deficiency for da are lethal, it is concluded that da is hypomorphic. (4) From a weak da-like maternal effect in heterozygous da females induced by an "Enhancer of da," we have confirmed a previous report that (a) the amount of sex chromosome heterochromatin contributed by the father can influence the severity of the da maternal effect, and (b) the sex chromosome heterochromatin which influences the da effect is different from that which influences the abo effect. (5) The possibility that da and abo are in a special region of chromosome 2 concerned with the regulation of sex chromosome heterochromatin is strengthened by the observation that the Enhancer of da appears to rescue abnormal eggs produced by homozygous abo mothers. (6) The Enhancer of da is a translocation between chromosomes 2 and 3 with the second chromosome breakpoint in the basal heterochromatin; because the enhancing effect maps in this region of chromosome 2, it is possible that autosomal, as well as sex chromosomal, heterochromatin interacts with da and abo.


Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 160 (2) ◽  
pp. 609-621
Author(s):  
Thomas Westphal ◽  
Gunter Reuter

Abstract Compact chromatin structure, induction of gene silencing in position-effect variegation (PEV), and crossing-over suppression are typical features of heterochromatin. To identify genes affecting crossing-over suppression by heterochromatin we tested PEV suppressor mutations for their effects on crossing over in pericentromeric regions of Drosophila autosomes. From the 46 mutations (28 loci) studied, 16 Su(var) mutations of the nine genes Su(var)2-1, Su(var)2-2, Su(var)2-5, Su(var)2-10, Su(var)2-14, Su(var) 2-15, Su(var)3-3, Su(var)3-7, and Su(var)3-9 significantly increase in heterozygotes or by additive effects in double and triple heterozygotes crossing over in the ri-pp region of chromosome 3. Su(var)2-201 and Su(var) 2-1401 display the strongest recombinogenic effects and were also shown to enhance recombination within the light-rolled heterochromatic region of chromosome 2. The dominant recombinogenic effects of Su(var) mutations are most pronounced in proximal euchromatin and are accompanied with significant reduction of meiotic nondisjunction. Our data suggest that crossing-over suppression by heterochromatin is controlled at chromatin structure as well as illustrate the possible effects of heterochromatin on total crossing-over frequencies in the genome.


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