A Database of Drosophila Genes & Genomes

FB2008_07, released August 8, 2008
 

Reference Report

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Citation Phillips, A.M., Smart, R., Strauss, R., Brembs, B., Kelly, L.E. (2005). The Drosophila black enigma: the molecular and behavioural characterization of the black1 mutant allele.  Gene 351(): 131--142.
FlyBase ID FBrf0187584
Type of publication Research paper
Offprint Available No
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PubMed ID 15878647
PubMed Abstract The cuticular melanization phenotype of black flies is rescued by beta-alanine, but beta-alanine production, by aspartate decarboxylation, was reported to be normal in assays of black mutants, and although black/Dgad2 is expressed in the lamina, the first optic ganglion, no electroretinogram (ERG) or other visual defect has been demonstrated in black flies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the black gene, and protein, in black(1) mutants of Drosophila melanogaster in order to resolve the apparent paradox of the black phenotype. Using black(1) mutant flies we show that (1) aspartate decarboxylase activity is significantly reduced in adults and at puparium formation, consistent with defects in cuticular and non-cuticular processes, (2) that the black(1) mutation is a frameshift, and black(1) flies are nulls for the black/DGAD2 protein, and (3) that behavioural experiments using Buridan's paradigm, demonstrate that black responds abnormally to visual cues. No ERG, or target recognition defects can be demonstrated suggesting a problem with higher order visual functions in black mutants.
Biosis 2005.10162747
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Language of publication English
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Abbreviation Gene
Title Gene
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Volume range 1-
Year range 1976-
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Place of publication Amsterdam
Language of publication English
ISBN/ISSN 0378-1119
CODEN GENED6
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