Open AccessCalmodulin Point Mutations Affect Drosophila Development and Behavior
Author(s) -
Heidi B. Nelson,
Robert G. Heiman,
Clare Bolduc,
Gae E. Kovalick,
Penn Whitley,
Michael Stern,
Kathy Beckingham
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.792
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1943-2631
pISSN - 0016-6731
DOI - 10.1093/genetics/147.4.1783
Subject(s) - biology , mutant , genetics , drosophila melanogaster , phenotype , ectopic expression , calmodulin , mutation , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , point mutation , biochemistry , enzyme
Calmodulin (CAM) is recognized as a major intermediary in intracellular calcium signaling, but as yet little is known of its role in developmental and behavioral processes. We have generated and studied mutations to the endogenous Cam gene of Drosophila melanogaster that change single amino acids within the protein coding region. One of these mutations produces a striking pupal lethal phenotype involving failure of head eversion. Various mutant combinations produce specific patterns of ectopic wing vein formation or melanotic scabs on the cuticle. Anaphase chromosome bridging is also seen as a maternal effect during the early embryonic nuclear divisions. In addition, specific behavioral defects such as poor climbing and flightlessness are detected among these mutants. Comparisons with other Drosophila mutant phenotypes suggests potential CAM targets that may mediate these developmental and behavioral effects, and analysis of the CAM crystal structure suggests the structural consequences of the individual mutations.