Abstract
Sex determination in Drosophila melanogaster is initiated in the early embryo by a signal provided by three types of genes: (1)X-linked numerator elements [e.g., sisterless-a (sis-a) and sisterless-b (sis-b)], (2) autosomally linked denominator elements [e.g., deadpan (dpn)], and (3) maternal factors [e.g., daughterless (da)]. This signal acts to stimulate transcription from an embryo-specific promoter of the master regulatory gene Sex-lethal (Sxl) in embryos that have two X chromosomes (females), while it fails to activate Sxl in those with only one X (males). It has been previously proposed that competitive dimerizations among the components of this signal might provide the molecular basis for this sex specificity. Here, we use the yeast two-hybrid system to demonstrate specific protein-protein interactions among the above-mentioned factors, and to delimit their interacting domains. These results support and extend the model of the molecular basis of the X/A ratio signal.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 182-189 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | MGG Molecular & General Genetics |
Volume | 248 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1995 |
Keywords
- Helix-loop-helix
- Interaction trap
- Leucine zipper
- Sex determination
- Two-hybrid system
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics