Mutation in a heterochromatin-specific chromosomal protein is associated with suppression of position-effect variegation in Drosophila melanogaster

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Dec;87(24):9923-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.87.24.9923.

Abstract

We report here that a point mutation in the gene which encodes the heterochromatin-specific nonhistone chromosomal protein HP-1 in Drosophila melanogaster is associated with dominant suppression of position-effect variegation. The mutation, a G-to-A transition at the first nucleotide of the last intron, causes missplicing of the HP-1 mRNA. This suggests that heterochromatin-specific proteins play a central role in the gene suppression associated with heterochromatic position effects.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Chromobox Protein Homolog 5
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / isolation & purification
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Gene Library
  • Heterochromatin / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation*
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Suppression, Genetic*

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Heterochromatin
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • Chromobox Protein Homolog 5
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M33749
  • GENBANK/M57574