Painting of fourth in genus Drosophila suggests autosome-specific gene regulation.

ABSTRACT: Painting of fourth (POF) is a chromosome-specific protein in Drosophila and represents the first example of an autosome-specific protein. POF binds to chromosome 4 in Drosophila melanogaster, initiating at the proximal region, followed by a spreading dependent on chromosome 4-specific sequences or structures. Chromosome-specific gene regulation is known thus far only as a mechanism to equalize the transcriptional activity of the single male X chromosome with that of the two female X chromosomes. In Drosophila, a complex including the male-specific lethal proteins, "paints" the male X chromosome, mediating its hypertranscription, explained to some extent by the acetylation of lysine 16 on histone H4. Here, we show that Pof is essential for viability in both sexes and for female fertility. P

SUBMITTER: Larsson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC470743 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature