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White gene expression, repressive chromatin domains and homeotic gene regulation in Drosophila
Author(s) -
Pirrotta Vincenzo,
Rastelli Luca
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950160808
Subject(s) - homeotic gene , biology , variegation (histology) , heterochromatin , genetics , chromatin , gene , heterochromatin protein 1 , gene silencing , polycomb group proteins , white (mutation) , transposable element , regulation of gene expression , gene expression , mutant , repressor
The use of Drosophila chromosomal rearrangements and transposon constructs involving the white gene reveals the existence of repressive chromatin domains that can spread over considerable genomic distances. One such type of domain is found in heterochromatin and is responsible for classical position‐effect variegation. Another type of repressive domain is established, beginning at specific sequences, by complexes of Polycomb Group proteins. Such complexes, which normally regulate the expression of many genes, including the homeotic loci, are responsible for silencing, white gene variegation, pairing‐dependent effects and insertional targeting.