Abstract
We have observed that zygotic transcription does not initiate at a single point in Drosophila embryos. Rather, a gene initiates transcription in a few nuclei of a fraction of embryos. During succeeding cycles, the frequency of transcribing embryos, and of nuclei transcribing in those embryos, gradually increases. For the fushi tarazu (ftz) gene, the timing of this process is regulated by the concentration of the maternally loaded, repressing transcription factor tramtrack (ttk). Altering the dose of Ttk protein in embryos shifts the activation of ftz transcription either forward or backward during development but does not effect Krüppel (Kr) activation. We have observed that the transcription of several genes, including ftz, is triggered in embryos at a critical nuclear density; therefore, we suggest that titration of transcription factors like ttk by the nucleocytoplasmic ratio triggers zygotic transcription in Drosophila.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Cycle / genetics
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Cell Nucleus / physiology*
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Cell Nucleus / radiation effects
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DNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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Drosophila / embryology*
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Drosophila / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
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Female
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Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
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Genes, Insect / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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In Situ Hybridization / methods
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
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Mosaicism
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Repressor Proteins / physiology
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcriptional Activation / physiology*
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Ultraviolet Rays
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Kr protein, Drosophila
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
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Repressor Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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ftz protein, Drosophila
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ttk protein, Drosophila