Effect of the transformer-2 gene of Anastrepha on the somatic sexual development of Drosophila

Abstract

The transformer-2 gene is involved in sex determination in tephritid flies (Tephritidae). It is required for the auto-regulation of the transformer gene (the memory device for sex determination in these insects) and for the female-specific splicing of doublesex pre-mRNA, the last gene in the sex determination gene cascade. The present manuscript addressed the question of the functional conservation of the tephritid Anastrepha Tra2 protein to direct sexual development in Drosophila (Drosophilidae). To express this protein in Drosophila, the GAL4-UAS system was used. The Anastrepha Tra2 protein supplies tra-2 function in Drosophila: this protein would form a complex with the endogenous Drosophila Tra protein to promote the female-specific splicing of the Drosophila doublesex pre-mRNA. The feminisation produced by the Anastrepha Tra2 protein was, however, partial.