ISSN:
0192-253X
Keywords:
maternal effects
;
Polycomb locus
;
Drosophila
;
homoeosis
;
Enhancer of Polycomb
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Genetics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
A mutation or deficiency of the Enhancer of Polycomb (E(Pc)) locus acts as a dominant enhancer of the adult mutant phenotypes of a group of similar homoeotic loci (Polycomb, Polycomblike, extra sex comb, and lethal(4)29). The E(Pc) mutation has a recessive lethal effect, and homo- and hemizygotes die as late embryos or larvae which appear cuticularly normal. E(Pc) also acts as a dominant enhancer of the embryonic homoeotic syndromes associated with Polycomb. Polycomblike, and lethal(4)29 mutations: its effect on the extra sex comb syndrome has not been effectively evaluated. At least for the interaction with Polycomb mutations, evidence is presented that the Enhancer of Polycomb locus has a maternal as well as a zygotic effect, and that its effect on Polycomb expression is not at the level of transcription. We suggest that the Enhancer of Polycomb locus acts specifically to regulate the activities of this set of homoeotic loci, and that E(Pc) recessive lethality results from noncuticular homoeotic defects which arise as a consequence of their reduced activity. In the context of this hypothesis, no present data allow us to distinguish whether Enhancer of Polycomb is a nonhomoeotic locus regulating the function(s) of Polycomb and related genes or is itself a homoeotic locus.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dvg.1020040305
