Sex-specific DoublesexM expression in subsets of Drosophila somatic gonad cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Drosophila melanogaster, a pre-mRNA splicing hierarchy controls sexual identity and ultimately leads to sex-specific Doublesex (DSX) transcription factor isoforms. The male-specific DSXM represses genes involved in female development and activates genes involved in male development. Spatial and temporal control of dsx during embryogenesis is not well documented.

Results

Here we show that DSX(M) is specifically expressed in subsets of male somatic gonad cells during embryogenesis. Following testis formation, germ cells remain in contact with DSX(M)-expressing cells, including hub cells and premeiotic somatic cyst cells that surround germ cells during spermatogenesis in larval and adult testes.

Conclusion

We show that dsx is transcriptionally regulated in

SUBMITTER: Hempel LU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2148063 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature