Genetic Mapping of prod E.3.3 , a New Lethal Allele of prod.

The E.3.3 mutation was generated in a Flp/FRT EMS screen for conditional mutations that cause growth and developmental defects in a genetic background that blocks apoptosis. The mutations were conditional, based on the Dark ⁸² allele being present on the starting chromosome, and blocking canonical apoptosis in a homozygous state. The E.3.3 mosaic eyes exhibit defects in eye development including patches of rough eye and irregular surface structure. Whole Genome Sequencing and complementation mapping revealed E.3.3 as an allele of prod . Prod is a DNA-binding protein that binds satellite repeats and is involved in chromocenter formation during mitosis. Here we present a novel allele of prod , prod ^E.3.3 , that disrupts the functional region of the Prod protein resulting in disruption of typical eye structure, likely due to disruption of chromatid separation during development.