REGULATION OF THE DOPA DECARBOXYLASE GENE

本建议旨在了解一个 果蝇中的发育调控基因。 另一个关注点是研究一组基因， 基因定位。 这种基因编码多巴脱羧酶 (DDC)，一种参与代谢途径的必需酶， 表皮硬化和神经递质合成。 该基因受 显著的发育调节，并且在发育过程中受到显著的调节。 生命周期的一部分。 我们将研究这个基因的调控 使用分子和经典遗传技术的组合。 高 优先考虑的是Ddc转录本的分子定义和比较， 不同的发育阶段和组织，因为该基因可能是 在不同的发育阶段通过不同的机制表达。 我们 将检查Ddc在体内和体内表达的调节步骤， 器官培养系统。 突变菌株将用于帮助 定义在整个基因表达中重要的序列， 特殊的发育表现。 经典的连接实验将是 以测定影响Ddc表达的可扩散物质。 这些研究集中在一个基因的研究，就像许多基因一样。 参与人类发展。 我们研究果蝇是因为 提供了许多优势，在实验方法比更复杂的更高 有机体 这项研究的结果将是关于如何 发育调控基因的功能，并应产生基本的 适用于许多高等生物的知识。

This proposal is directed at understanding the regulation of a developmentally regulated gene in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. An additional focus of interest is to study a cluster of genes within which the gene is located. The gene codes for the enzyme dopa decarboxylase (DDC), an essential enzyme involved in metabolic pathways leading to cuticular hardening and neurotransmitter synthesis. The gene is subject to striking developmental regulation, and is hormonally regulated during at least part of the life cycle. We will study the regulation of this gene using a combination of molecular and classical genetic techniques. A high priority is the molecular definition and comparison of Ddc transcripts from different developmental stages and tissues, since the gene is probably expressed via different mechanisms at different developmental stages. We will examine regulatory steps in the expression of Ddc both in vivo and in organ culture systems. Mutant strains will be used to aid in the definition of sequences important in overall gene expression, and in specific developmental expression. Classical ligation experiments will be performed to assay for diffusible substances affecting Ddc expression. These studies are focussed on the study of a gene much like many genes involved in human development. We work on Drosophila because this organism offers many advantages in experimental approach over more complex higher organisms. The results of this study will be basic information on how developmentally regulated genes function, and should generate basic knowledge applicable to many higher organisms.