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Systematic gene targeting on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster

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Abstract

The genome of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has been sequenced and annotated. Based on this groundwork, we performed a systematic genetic screen of the D. melanogaster X chromosome, which carries about one sixth of the genes of the organism. We generated a collection of single P-element insertions to provide genetic and molecular access to virtually all X-chromosomal genes. The study complements earlier work designed to systematically identify vital genes on the X chromosome by targeting transcription units which are phenotypically silent. We describe single UAS sequence-bearing P-element insertions throughout the X chromosome, which allows one to express the tagged genes under control of tissue/organ-directed GAL4 activity. In addition, the present collection of single insertion lines provides a tool to generate chromosomal deletions which are on average less than 33 kb in size.

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Acknowledgements

We thank many colleagues for their help, John Merriam and the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center for fly strains. Supported by the German Human Genome Project (grant 01 KW 9632/9).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Abt. Molekulare Entwicklungsbiologie, Am Fassberg, 37077, Göttingen, Germany

    Nicole Beinert, Meike Werner, Gordon Dowe, Ho-Ryun Chung, Herbert Jäckle & Ulrich Schäfer

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  1. Nicole Beinert
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  2. Meike Werner
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  3. Gordon Dowe
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  4. Ho-Ryun Chung
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  5. Herbert Jäckle
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  6. Ulrich Schäfer
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Correspondence to Ulrich Schäfer.

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Communicated by E.A. Nigg

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Beinert, N., Werner, M., Dowe, G. et al. Systematic gene targeting on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Chromosoma 113, 271–275 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-004-0313-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00412-004-0313-5

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