scholarly journals P-element-induced interallelic gene conversion of insertions and deletions in Drosophila melanogaster.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 7006-7018 ◽  
Author(s):  
D M Johnson-Schlitz ◽  
W R Engels
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
P Element ◽  
Element Mobility ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Insertions And Deletions ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
White Locus ◽  
In Cis ◽  
P Transposon

We studied the process by which whd, a P-element insertion allele of the Drosophila melanogaster white locus, is replaced by its homolog in the presence of transposase. These events are interpreted as the result of double-strand gap repair following excision of the P transposon in whd. We used a series of alleles derived from whd through P-element mobility as templates for this repair. One group of alleles, referred to collectively as whd-F, carried fragments of the P element that had lost some of the sequences needed in cis for mobility. The other group, whd-D, had lost all of the P insert and had some of the flanking DNA from white deleted. The average replacement frequencies were 43% for whd-F alleles and 7% for the whd-D alleles. Some of the former were converted at frequencies exceeding 50%. Our data suggest that the high conversion frequencies for the whd-F templates can be attributed at least in part to an elevated efficiency of repair of unexpanded gaps that is possibly caused by the closer match between whd-F sequences and the unexpanded gap endpoints. In addition, we found that the gene substitutions were almost exclusively in the direction of whd being replaced by the whd-F or whd-D allele rather than the reverse. The template alleles were usually unaltered in the process. This asymmetry implies that the conversion process is unidirectional and that the P fragments are not good substrates for P-element transposase. Our results help elucidate a highly efficient double-strand gap repair mechanism in D. melanogaster that can also be used for gene replacement procedures involving insertions and deletions. They also help explain the rapid spread of P elements in populations.

P-element-induced interallelic gene conversion of insertions and deletions in Drosophila melanogaster

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 7006-7018
Author(s):  
D M Johnson-Schlitz ◽  
W R Engels
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
P Element ◽  
Element Mobility ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Insertions And Deletions ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
White Locus ◽  
In Cis ◽  
P Transposon

We studied the process by which whd, a P-element insertion allele of the Drosophila melanogaster white locus, is replaced by its homolog in the presence of transposase. These events are interpreted as the result of double-strand gap repair following excision of the P transposon in whd. We used a series of alleles derived from whd through P-element mobility as templates for this repair. One group of alleles, referred to collectively as whd-F, carried fragments of the P element that had lost some of the sequences needed in cis for mobility. The other group, whd-D, had lost all of the P insert and had some of the flanking DNA from white deleted. The average replacement frequencies were 43% for whd-F alleles and 7% for the whd-D alleles. Some of the former were converted at frequencies exceeding 50%. Our data suggest that the high conversion frequencies for the whd-F templates can be attributed at least in part to an elevated efficiency of repair of unexpanded gaps that is possibly caused by the closer match between whd-F sequences and the unexpanded gap endpoints. In addition, we found that the gene substitutions were almost exclusively in the direction of whd being replaced by the whd-F or whd-D allele rather than the reverse. The template alleles were usually unaltered in the process. This asymmetry implies that the conversion process is unidirectional and that the P fragments are not good substrates for P-element transposase. Our results help elucidate a highly efficient double-strand gap repair mechanism in D. melanogaster that can also be used for gene replacement procedures involving insertions and deletions. They also help explain the rapid spread of P elements in populations.

scholarly journals Rapid spread of transposable p elements in experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
A G Good ◽  
G A Meister ◽  
H W Brock ◽  
T A Grigliatti ◽  
D A Hickey
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Gonadal Dysgenesis ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
P Element ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Laboratory Populations ◽  
Experimental Populations

Abstract The invasion of P elements in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster was modeled by establishing laboratory populations with 1%, 5% and 10% P genomes and monitoring the populations for 20 generations. In one experiment, the ability of flies to either induce or suppress gonadal sterility in different generations was correlated with the amount of P element DNA. In a second experiment, the percentage of genomes that contained P elements, and the distribution of P elements among individual flies was monitored. The ability to induce gonadal dysgenesis increased rapidly each generation. However, the increase in P cytotype lagged behind by five to ten generations. The total amount of P element DNA and the frequency of flies containing P elements increased each generation. The number of P elements within individual genomes decreased initially, but then increased. Finally, the distribution of P elements within the genomes of individuals from later generations varied considerably, and this pattern differed from the parental P strain. These results suggest that the interaction between the assortment and recombination of chromosomal segments, and multiplicative transposition could result in the rapid spread of P elements in natural populations.

scholarly journals Targeted transposition at the vestigial locus of Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 138 (4) ◽  
pp. 1127-1135
Author(s):  
T R Heslip ◽  
R B Hodgetts
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Position Effect ◽  
Regulatory Region ◽  
Current Method ◽  
P Element ◽  
Opposite Orientation ◽  
Position Effects ◽  
P Elements ◽  
In Trans ◽  
In Cis

Abstract Targeted transposition is the replacement of one P element with another. We are exploiting this unique property of P elements to study the complex regulatory domain of the Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) gene in Drosophila melanogaster. P element constructs targeted to the same site in the genome will be subjected to the same position effect. This allows the subtle effects typical of most mutations in the Ddc regulatory region to be measured in the absence of the variable influences of position effects which are associated with the current method of germline transformation. We have investigated some of the parameters affecting targeted transposition of a Ddc transposon, P[Ddc], into a P element allele at the vestigial locus. These events were detected by an increased mutant vg phenotype. The location of the donor transposon in cis or in trans to the target had little effect on the frequency of targeting. Likewise, the mobility of different donor elements, as measured by their rate of transposition to a different chromosome, varied nearly 20-fold, while the rate of targeted transposition was very similar between them. All targeted alleles were precise replacements of the target P element by P[Ddc], but in several cases the donor was inserted in the opposite orientation. The targeted alleles could be described as the result of a replicative, conversion-like event.

scholarly journals A P element containing suppressor of hairy-wing binding regions has novel properties for mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetics ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 1061-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
R R Roseman ◽  
E A Johnson ◽  
C K Rodesch ◽  
M Bjerke ◽  
R N Nagoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Insertional Mutagenesis ◽  
P Element ◽  
Gypsy Element ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Structural And Functional Properties ◽  
Binding Regions ◽  
Silencer Elements ◽  
P Transposon

Abstract P elements are widely used as insertional mutagens to tag genes, facilitating molecular cloning and analyses. We modified a P element so that it carried two copies of the suppressor of Hairy-wing [su(Hw)] binding regions isolated from the gypsy transposable element. This transposon was mobilized, and the genetic consequences of its insertion were analyzed. Gene expression can be altered by the su(Hw) protein as a result of blocking the interaction between enhancer/silencer elements and their promoter. These effects can occur over long distances and are general. Therefore, a composite transposon (SUPor-P for suppressor-P element) combines the mutagenic efficacy of the gypsy element with the controllable transposition of P elements. We show that, compared to standard P elements, this composite transposon causes an expanded repertoire of mutations and produces alleles that are suppressed by su(Hw) mutations. The large number of heterochromatic insertions obtained is unusual compared to other insertional mutagenesis procedures, indicating that the SUPor-P transposon may be useful for studying the structural and functional properties of heterochromatin.

scholarly journals A COMPARISON OF MUTATION RATES FOR SPECIFIC LOCI AND CHROMOSOME REGIONS IN DYSGENIC HYBRID MALES OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Genetics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-94
Author(s):  
Michael J Simmons ◽  
John D Raymond ◽  
Nancy A Johnson ◽  
Thomas M Fahey
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
The Other ◽  
Hybrid Dysgenesis ◽  
P Element ◽  
Mutation Rates ◽  
P Elements ◽  
White Locus ◽  
Insertion Mutations ◽  
Chromosome Regions

ABSTRACT The mutation rates of specific loci and chromosome regions were estimated for two types of dysgenic hybrid males. These came from crosses between P or Q males and M females in the P-M system of hybrid dysgenesis. The M × P hybrids were the more mutable for each of the loci and chromosome regions tested. The Beadex locus was highly mutable in these hybrids but did not mutate at all in the sample of gametes from the M × Q hybrids. The singed locus had 75% of the mutability of Beadex in the M × P hybrids; it was also mutable in the M × Q hybrids. The white locus was only slightly mutable in the M × P hybrids and not at all mutable in the M × Q hybrids. The mutations in singed and white probably arose from the insertion of P elements into these loci; the mutations at Beadex probably involved the action of a P element located near this locus on the X chromosome of the P strain that was used in the experiments. Mutations in two chromosome regions, one including the zeste-white loci and the other near the miniature locus, were much more frequent in the M × P hybrids than in the M × Q hybrids. These mutations also probably arose from P element insertions. The implication is that insertion mutations occur infrequently in the M × Q hybrids, possibly because most of the P elements they carry are defective. In M × P hybrids, there is variation among loci with respect to P elements mutagenesis, indicating that P elements possess a degree of insertional specificity.

scholarly journals A hobo Transgene That Encodes the P-Element Transposase in Drosophila melanogaster: Autoregulation and Cytotype Control of Transposase Activity

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Simmons ◽  
Kevin J Haley ◽  
Craig D Grimes ◽  
John D Raymond ◽  
Jarad B Niemi
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Gonadal Dysgenesis ◽  
P Element ◽  
Hsp70 Gene ◽  
Alternate Splicing ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Male Germline ◽  
Female Germline ◽  
Transposase Expression

Abstract Drosophila were genetically transformed with a hobo transgene that contains a terminally truncated but otherwise complete P element fused to the promoter from the Drosophila hsp70 gene. Insertions of this H(hsp/CP) transgene on either of the major autosomes produced the P transposase in both the male and female germlines, but not in the soma. Heat-shock treatments significantly increased transposase activity in the female germline; in the male germline, these treatments had little effect. The transposase activity of two insertions of the H(hsp/CP) transgene was not significantly greater than their separate activities, and one insertion of this transgene reduced the transposase activity of P(ry+, Δ2-3)99B, a stable P transgene, in the germline as well as in the soma. These observations suggest that, through alternate splicing, the H(hsp/CP) transgene produces a repressor that feeds back negatively to regulate transposase expression or function in both the somatic and germline tissues. The H(hsp/CP) transgenes are able to induce gonadal dysgenesis when the transposase they encode has P-element targets to attack. However, this ability and the ability to induce P-element excisions are repressed by the P cytotype, a chromosomal/cytoplasmic state that regulates P elements in the germline.

scholarly journals The Regulatory Properties of Autonomous Subtelomeric P Elements Are Sensitive to a Suppressor of variegation in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
pp. 1663-1674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Ronsseray ◽  
Monique Lehmann ◽  
Danielle Nouaud ◽  
Dominique Anxolabéhère
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
P Element ◽  
Single Element ◽  
Heterochromatin Protein 1 ◽  
X Chromosomes ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Associated Sequences ◽  
Regulatory Properties

Abstract Genetic recombination was used in Drosophila melanogaster to isolate P elements, inserted at the telomeres of X chromosomes (cytological site 1A) from natural populations, in a genetic background devoid of other P elements. We show that complete maternally inherited P repression in the germline (P cytotype) can be elicited by only two autonomous P elements at 1A and that a single element at this site has partial regulatory properties. The analysis of the surrounding chromosomal regions of the P elements at 1A shows that in all cases these elements are flanked by Telomeric Associated Sequences, tandemly repetitive noncoding sequences that have properties of heterochromatin. In addition, we show that the regulatory properties of P elements at 1A can be inhibited by some of the mutant alleles of the Su(var)205 gene and by a deficiency of this gene. However, the regulatory properties of reference P strains (Harwich and Texas 007) are not impaired by Su(var)205 mutations. Su(var)205 encodes Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1). These results suggest that the HP1 dosage effect on the P element properties is sitedependent and could involve the structure of the chromatin.

scholarly journals hobo enhancer trapping mutagenesis in Drosophila reveals an insertion specificity different from P elements.

Genetics ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 1063-1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Smith ◽  
J Wohlgemuth ◽  
B R Calvi ◽  
I Franklin ◽  
W M Gelbart
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Transposable Element ◽  
Enhancer Trap ◽  
P Element ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
P Elements ◽  
Element Insertion ◽  
Enhancer Trapping ◽  
Indispensable Tool

Abstract P element enhancer trapping has become an indispensable tool in the analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster genome. However, there is great variation in the mutability of loci by these elements such that some loci are relatively refractory to insertion. We have developed the hobo transposable element for use in enhancer trapping and we describe the results of a hobo enhancer trap screen. In addition, we present evidence that a hobo enhancer trap element has a pattern of insertion into the genome that is different from the distribution of P elements in the available database. Hence, hobo insertion may facilitate access to genes resistant to P element insertion.

scholarly journals Elimination of Introns at the Drosophila suppressor-of-forked Locus by P-Element-Mediated Gene Conversion Shows That an RNA Lacking a Stop Codon is Dispensable

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 345-351
Author(s):  
Carol J Williams ◽  
Kevin O'Hare
Keyword(s):  
X Chromosome ◽  
Stop Codon ◽  
Alternative Polyadenylation ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
P Element ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Genomic Location ◽  
Chromosomal Breaks ◽  
White Locus ◽  
Cleavage Stimulation Factor

Abstract The suppressor of forked [su(f)] locus affects the phenotype of mutations caused by transposable element insertions at unlinked loci. It encodes a putative 84-kD protein with homology to two proteins involved in mRNA 3′ end processing; the product of the yeast RNA14 gene and the 77-kD subunit of human cleavage stimulation factor. Three su(f) mRNAs are produced by alternative polyadenylation. The 2. 6 and 2.9-kb mRNAs encode the same 84-kD protein while a 1.3-kb RNA, which terminates within the fourth intron, is unusual in having no stop codon. Using P-element-mediated gene replacement we have copied sequences from a transformation construct into the su(f) gene creating a su(f) allele at the normal genomic location that lacks the first five introns. This allele is viable and appears wild type for su(f) function, demonstrating that the 1.3-kb RNA and the sequences contained within the deleted introns are dispensable for su(f) function. Compared with studies on gene replacement at the white locus, chromosomal breaks at su(f) appear to be less efficiently repaired from ectopic sites, perhaps because of the location of su(f) at the euchromatin/heterochromatin boundary on the X chromosome.

scholarly journals A novel repressor of P element transposition in Drosophila melanogaster

1998 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
RICHARD M. BADGE ◽  
JOHN F. Y. BROOKFIELD
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Inbred Line ◽  
Gonadal Dysgenesis ◽  
Full Length ◽  
P Element ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
P Elements

We have discovered, in an inbred line (Loua) of Drosophila melanogaster from Zaïre, a third chromosome showing unusual P element repression. Repression of P element transposition by this chromosome, named Loua3, is dominant zygotic and has three unusual properties. Firstly, its repression of the gonadal dysgenesis caused by a strong P haplotype is strongly temperature-dependent, being most evident at higher rearing temperatures. Secondly, subdivision of Loua3 by recombination abolishes repression: the effect is apparently a function of the intact chromosome. Finally, Loua3 also diminishes somatic lethality when chromosomes carrying many ‘ammunition’ elements (Birmingham2) are exposed to the constitutive transposase source Δ2-3(99B). The chromosome has 17 P elements, none full-length, located in at least 12 dispersed positions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document