Molecular and Genetic Characterization of the Drosophila Trans-acting Factor Elf-1

这项拟议研究的最终目的是阐明DNA结合因子Elf-1在发育过程中的作用。该因子与果蝇中枢神经系统中表达多巴脱羧酶基因所特需的序列元件相互作用。提出的第一个目的是不使用两种不同的方法在体内操纵Elf-1的表达，并分析这些操纵对多巴脱羧酶表达的影响，以及对Elf-1也结合的基因Ultrabithorax和Engraded的表达的影响。一种方法是分离Elf-1基因的突变，另一种方法是在转化株中异位表达该蛋白。初步实验已经确定了三种不同的Elf-1亚型，因此本研究的第二个目的是调查Elf-1变异蛋白的总数和结构，并确定这种变异的意义。这将涉及比较不同形式的活动和分布。这项提案中的工作应该会增加我们对不同类型组织中不同基因选择性开启和关闭的机制的理解。

The ultimate aim of the proposed research is to elucidate the role during development of the DNA-bind factor Elf-1. This factor interacts with a sequence element which is specifically required for expression of the dopa decarboxylase gene in the central nervous system of Drosophila. The first aim of proposal is no use two different approaches to manipulate the expression of Elf-1 in vivo and analyse the affect of these manipulations on dopa decarboxylase expression, and on the expression of the genes Ultrabithorax and engrailed which Elf- 1 also binds. One approach is to isolate mutations in the Elf-1 gene and the other to express the protein ectopically in transformant strains. Preliminary experiments have identified three different Elf-1 isoforms so a second aim of the research is to investigate the total number and structure of the variant Elf-1 proteins, and to determine the significance of this variation. This will involve comparing the activities and distribution of the different forms. The work in this proposal should increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which different genes are selectively turned on and off in different types of tissues.