Abstract
Pax-6 genes, known to be essential for eye development, encode an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor with two DNA-binding domains. To corroborate the contribution of each DNA-binding domain to eye formation, we generated truncated forms of the Drosophila Pax-6 gene eyeless and tested their capacity to rescue the ey2 mutant. Surprisingly, EY deleted of the homeodomain rescued the ey2 mutant and triggered ectopic eyes morphogenesis. In contrast, EY lacking the paired domain failed to rescue the ey2 mutant, led to truncation of appendages, and repressed Distal-less when misexpressed. This result suggests distinct functions mediated differentially by the two DNA-binding domains of eyeless.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1716-1723 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Genes and Development |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 Jul 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Eye development
- Eyeless
- Homeodomain
- Paired domain
- Pax-6
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology