Probing the function of Drosophila melanogaster accessory glands by directed cell ablation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993 Sep 1;90(17):8093-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.90.17.8093.

Abstract

The female Drosophila melanogaster fly undergoes behavioral changes after mating, including an increase in egg laying and an avoidance of remating. Accessory-gland products elicit these changes transiently when introduced into unmated female flies. We report here the generation and phenotype of flies that lack functional accessory-gland main cells as a consequence of genetically directed delivery of diphtheria toxin subunit A to those cells. Only main-cell secretions are essential for the short-term inhibition to remating; no other products of the genital tract can replace their function. Long-term inhibition to remating depends only on the storage of sperm in the female. Both sperm and main-cell secretions have roles in the increase of egg laying by the mated female. In addition to full-strength diphtheria toxin, we used low-activity toxins to kill only those cells that express toxin at high levels. These transgenic strains that express diphtheria toxins of different strengths in accessory-gland main cells will be useful in further defining the role of these cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Diphtheria Toxin / biosynthesis
  • Drosophila melanogaster / cytology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Oviposition
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Sebaceous Glands / cytology
  • Sebaceous Glands / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Testis / physiology

Substances

  • Diphtheria Toxin