MALENESS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

这项提议的目的是了解果蝇雄性所需的基因。第一组研究的目的是在性别决定途径的无果（fru）分支中寻找额外的基因。这一分支涉及雄性特有求爱行为的发展和/或维持，以及雄性特有劳伦斯肌（MOL）的发展。使用正确的MOL发育作为视觉工具，将在神经中表达对MOL发育至关重要的各种基因。如果在fru突变背景下，MOL神经元中某个基因的表达能够挽救MOL的发育，那么该基因将被认为是fru通路的一部分。此外，将进行遗传筛选，以确定原始fru1突变的抑制突变。第二组实验旨在了解男性识别潜在伴侣的线索。一个基因座，无果刺激因子（fsf），当它发生突变时，会产生一个突变的表现型，这个表现型会被其他雄性大力追求。正常男性通常不会受到其他正常男性的强烈追求。目前的研究已经确定了携带突变的区域。数据库分析表明，两个转录区域或单独的EST序列位于非常接近突变的位置。未来的实验将致力于确定这两个潜在的转录单位中的哪一个，如果该基因被称为fsf，以及该基因在雄性建立中的作用。

The goal of this proposal is to understand the genes required for maleness in Drosophila melanogaster. The first set of studies is directed at finding additional genes in the fruitless (fru) branch of the sex-determination pathway. This branch has been implicated in the development and/or maintenance of male specific courtship behavior as well as the development of male specific Muscle of Lawrence (MOL). Using correct MOL development as a visual tool, various genes will be expressed in the nerves that are critical for MOL development. If the expression of a gene in MOL neurons, in a fru mutant background, rescues MOL development then that gene will be considered as part of the fru pathway. IN addition, a genetic screen will be performed to identify suppressor mutations of the original fru1 mutation. The second set of experiments is directed at understanding cues males us to identify potential mates. A locus, fruitless stimulation factor (fsf), when mutated gives rise a mutant phenotype of males which are vigorously courted by other males. Normal males as a rule are not strongly courted by other normal males. Current studies have pinpointed the region that harbors the mutation. Database analysis has demonstrated that two transcribed regions or separate sets of EST's are located very near the mutation. Future experiments will be directed at determining which of t he two potential transcription units if the gene referred to as fsf as well as the role of the gene in the establishment of maleness.