ISSN:
1617-4623
Keywords:
Drosophila
;
Enhancer of split
;
Helix-loop-helix protein
;
Neurogenesis
;
Transcriptional repressors
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract TheEnhancer of split complex [E(SPL)-C] ofDrosophila participates in the control of cell fate choice by uncommitted neuroectodermal cells in the embryo. It encodes seven proteins that belong to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family, six of which are expressed in very similar patterns in the neuroectoderm. Here we describe experiments aimed at unravelling the molecular basis of their function. We found that two products of the complex, HLH-M5 andEnhancer of split, are capable of binding as homo-and heterodimers to a sequence in the promoters of theEnhancer of split andachaete genes, called the N-box, which differs slightly from the consensus binding site (the E-box) for other bHLH proteins. In transient expression assays in cell culture, both proteins were found to attenuate the transcriptional activation mediated by the proneural bHLH proteinslethal of scute anddaughterless at theEnhancer of split promoter.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00583897
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