Molecular and genetic characterization of Cbx-Basel , a new dominant allele of Ultrabithorax in D. melanogaster.

Abstract

Dominant gain-of-function alleles for the homeotic gene Ultrabithorax ( Ubx ) have been known for a long time. They are summarized under the name Contrabithorax ( Cbx ). Such alleles are rather easy to spot because the morphology of the conspicuous dorsal wing appendage is often dramatically changed. The majority of these alleles is associated with chromosomal rearrangements that alter the genetic landscape of the Ultrabithorax locus. Thereby, UBX protein is ectopically expressed in the wing primordium where it is normally absent. Since Ubx specifies haltere identity, wing cells expressing UBX are determined to become haltere cells. However, apart from the prototypic allele Cbx-1 , information on the molecular details of Contrabithorax alleles is scarce. Here, we present a rather detailed account on a novel Cbx-1-like allele called Cbx-Basel . The results of our study corroborate the model that has been postulated for the Cbx-1 wing phenotype.