The Decapentaplegic Gene Complex in Drosophila melanogaster

Excerpt

We have been studying a genetic region termed the decapentaplegic gene complex (DPP-C) in Drosophila melanogaster. Our interest in the complex was triggered by the phenotypes engendered by the first series of DPP-C mutations we encountered. These highly pleiotropic decapentaplegic (dpp) mutations give rise to defects in the larval imaginal disks. After metamorphosis, these defects are transformed into multiple pattern deletions and duplications in the adult epidermis. In particular, those structures derived from the central regions of most or all the imaginal disks of the animal are missing. On the basis of information from studies of imaginal disk regeneration (Bryant 1978), it seemed that the decapentaplegic phenotypes could be rationalized as effects of dpp mutations on the elaboration or interpretation of an element of positional information common to all imaginal disks. Recent studies indicate that the DPP-C is more extensive, with another region being required for normal epidermal development in...