Abstract
Dosage compensation is a process that equalizes transcription activity between the sexes. In Drosophila, two non-coding RNA, roX1 and roX2, and at least six protein regulators, MSL-1, MSL-2, MSL-3, MLE, MOF, and JIL-1, have been identified as essential for dosage compensation. Although there is accumulating evidence of the intricate functional and physical interactions between protein and RNA regulators, little is known about how roX RNA expression and function are modulated in coordination with protein regulators. In this report, we have found that a relatively short (about 350 bp) upstream genomic region of the roX2 gene, Prox2, harbors an activity that drives transcription of the downstream gene. Our study has shown that MLE can stimulate the transcription activity of Prox2 and that MLE associates with Prox2 through direct interaction with a newly identified 54-bp repeat, Prox. Our observations suggest a novel mechanism by which roX2 RNA is regulated at the transcriptional level.
Highlights
In higher eukaryotes, females contain an extra X chromosome
Our study has shown that MLE can stimulate the transcription activity of Prox2 and that MLE associates with Prox2 through direct interaction with a newly identified 54-bp repeat, Prox
Because roX RNAs are critical for dosage compensation, transcription of the corresponding genes, which are suppressed in female flies, must be activated in these transgenic female flies expressing MSL2
Summary
Females contain an extra X chromosome. The transcription activity of the X chromosome must be equalized between the sexes during development, and any failure in this process leads to embryonic lethality [1, 2]. 1 The abbreviations used are: MSL, male-specific lethal; MLE, maleless; MOF, male-absent on the first; dsDNA, double strand DNA; DTT, dithiothreitol; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; Prox2, the upstream promoter of the roX2 gene; roX, RNA on the X; S2, Schneider 2; WCE, whole cell extract.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
