Abstract

The Drosophila ovarian tumour gene is required at multiple times in the germline for oogenesis. A second gene, Sex-lethal, controls sex determination in the soma and also has a separate germline function affecting similar oogenic stages as ovarian tumour. We demonstrate that ovarian tumour is not required for early Sex-lethal gene expression in the female germline, as had been previously reported. Instead, we provide evidence that ovarian tumour has a specific role in the developmentally regulated accumulation of SEX-LETHAL protein within the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, the examination of nurse cell polytene chromosomes produced by certain ovarian tumour mutations showed that SEX-LETHAL protein can associate with discrete chromosomal sites in the germline and that this pattern appears to change as the egg chamber matures. This is the first indication that SEX-LETHAL is capable of direct physical interactions with chromosomes (albeit in a mutant background) and is consistent with the developmentally regulated nuclear localization of SEX-LETHAL being important for oogenesis.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.