RUI: The Regulation of a Drosophila Accessory Gland Gene

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The Drosophila melanogaster accessory gland is a male specific tissue whose cells synthesize and secrete a variety of products which are transferred to females during copulation. These transferred products are involved in several processes in the female. These include increased egg production and oviposition, storage of viable sperm, and lowered receptivity to further mating. Dr. Kraus has obtained a cloned gene which is expressed only in the accessory gland. The RNA encoded by this gene is approximately 400bp in length, making the determination of gene structure and sequence a relatively simple task. The goal of the proposed research is two fold; 1) to define the DNA sequences responsible for the regulation of this gene, and 2) to begin to identify the function of this gene's polypeptide product. Dr. Kraus will first sequence the gene, and then define the sequences responsible for the sex and tissue specific expression via deletion mutagenesis and germline transformation. A polyclonal antibody against the polypeptide will be raised in rabbits. Dr. Kraus will then study this gene's expression during the processes of aging and mating by a combination of Western and Northern analyses. Finally, he will begin to examine the role of the polypeptide in the reproductive process by determining whether or not it is transferred to females.