An aptamer peptide (pep4) that binds Cdk2 protein is expressed as a conformationally constrained loop by fusing it to a stable platform molecule (the Escherichia coli trxA protein). It is expressed under the control of an Hsp70 promoter.
Flies expressing Zzzz\aptamerhs.cdc2c.pep4.T:Ecol\trxA using cyclic heat shock from the third larval instar until eclosion often have eye defects. Phenotypes include rough eyes with disorganised ommatidia and bristles. The phenotype is dosage-dependent.
Zzzz\aptamerhs.Cdk2.pep4 has eye phenotype, suppressible by Cdk2hs.PS
The phenotype is suppressed by coexpression of cdc2chs.PS but is almost unaffected by coexpression of cdc2hs.PS.