REGULATION OF SEX DIFFERENTIATION IN DROSOPHILA

了解单个细胞在 替代发展途径是至关重要的，如果正常的发展， 它的失败是可以理解的。 果蝇的性别分化 melanogaster提供了一个很好的系统来接近这些 问题 主要的诱导信号是已知的， 以下替代途径是通过分离 个体 此外，参与调控这一过程的基因 都是从基因上和分子上分离出来的， 这些基因之间的相互作用已经确定。 多 在这一层次内的监管方面将在 分子水平。 Transformer（tra）基因受性别特异性 选择性RNA剪接。 本法规和测绘模型试验 将在体内和体外进行。 将鉴定与受调节的内含子相互作用的因子， 用于重建性别特异性剪接系统 TRA也参与其中， 在需要Transformer-2（tra-2）基因产物的过程中， 性别特异性的选择性加工来自doublesex的RNA（dsx） 基因 tra蛋白的组织和亚细胞分布将是 确定并与其他蛋白质，特别是与tra-2， 将被审查。 tra蛋白和dsx RNA之间的相互作用位点 将被映射。 tra蛋白的一部分， dsx RNA或与其他蛋白质将通过突变和突变来识别 将测试它们的体内和体外效果。 的基因 性别决定层次结构下游的功能参与了 性别特异性结构的产生和性别特异性结构的精细化 行为。 它们也代表了基因， 从性别分化层次和基因组来看， 控制段和位置标识。 为了充分了解 性别分化层次的作用机制，并绘制 在确定层次结构的任何其他分支时， 这些基因作用的下游靶点。 表达的基因， 多个不同的发展阶段，在性别特异性的方式将是 与世隔绝 这些基因的表达将被表征为 他们被各种不同的性别等级制度所控制， 区分剂量补偿基因、生殖系性别的方法 决定、性分化和生殖行为。 这些 基因将根据遗传位置、时间和 表达的空间模式和调节机制。

Understanding the mechanism by which individual cells choose between alternative developmental pathways is critical if normal development and its failures are to understood. Sex differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster offers an excellent system in which to approach these problems. The primary inducing signal is known and separation of tissues following alternative pathways is achieved by the separation of individuals. In addition, the genes involved in regulating the process have been identified genetically and isolated molecularly, and the outlines of the interactions between these genes have been determined. Multiple aspects of regulation within this hierarchy will be studied at the molecular level. The transformer (tra) gene is regulated by sex-specific alternative RNA splicing. Tests of models for this regulation and mapping of the necessary sites will be carried out both in vivo and in vitro. Factors which interact with the regulated intron will be identified and used to reconstitute a sex-specific splicing system. tra is also involved, in a process requiring the product of the transformer-2 (tra-2) gene, in the sex-specific alternative processing of RNA from the doublesex (dsx) gene. The tissue and subcellular distribution of the tra protein will be determined and interaction with other proteins, specifically with tra-2, will be examined. Sites of interaction between the tra protein and dsx RNA will be mapped. Parts of the tra protein necessary for interaction with dsx RNA or with other proteins will be identified by mutation and mutations will be tested for their in vivo and in vitro effects. Genes which function downstream of the sex determination hierarchy are involved in the production of sex-specific structures and the elaboration of sex-specific behaviors. They also represent genes which may be integrating information from both the sex differentiation hierarchy and from the set of genes controlling segment and positional identity. In order to fully understand the mechanism of action of the sex differentiation hierarchy, and to map out any additional branches of the hierarchy, it is critical to identify downstream targets for the action of these genes. Genes expressed, at multiple different developmental stages, in a sex-specific manner will be isolated. The expression of these genes will be characterized with regard to their control by various different elements of the sex hierarchy as a way of distinguishing genes involved in dosage compensation, germ line sex determination, sexual differentiation and reproductive behavior. These genes will be characterized with regard to genetic position, temporal and spatial patterns of expression, and mechanism of regulation.