An RNA-interference screen in Drosophila to identify ZAD-containing C2H2 zinc finger genes that function in female germ cells

G3 (Bethesda). 2021 Jan 18;11(1):jkaa016. doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa016.

Abstract

The zinc finger-associated domain (ZAD) is present in over 90 C2H2 zinc finger (ZNF) proteins. Despite their abundance, only a few ZAD-ZNF genes have been characterized to date. Here, we systematically analyze the function of 68 ZAD-ZNF genes in Drosophila female germ cells by performing an in vivo RNA-interference screen. We identified eight ZAD-ZNF genes required for oogenesis, and based on further characterization of the knockdown phenotypes, we uncovered defects broadly consistent with functions in germ cell specification and/or survival, early differentiation, and egg chamber maturation. These results provide a candidate pool for future studies aimed at functionalization of this large but poorly characterized gene family.

Keywords: CG17802; CG320020; CG4936; M1PB; Zif; gametogenesis; hang; multigene family; odj; oogenesis; reproduction; trem.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CYS2-HIS2 Zinc Fingers*
  • Drosophila / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • RNA
  • Zinc Fingers

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • RNA