GENETIC-CHARACTERIZATION OF DROSOPHILA RBP-J-KAPPA (SUPPRESSOR OF HAIRLESS) AS A NEUROGENIC GENE IN ADULT PNS DEVELOPMENT

Drosophila RBP-J chi is a novel sequence-specific DNA binding protein encompassing the integrase motif which is highly conserved in various organisms. Its gene has been shown to be identical to Suppressor of Ha irless which regulates adult peripheral nervous system (PNS) developme nt. To elucidate the precise function of the RBP-J chi protein in adul t PNS development, we analyzed transgenic flies that misexpress the RB P-J chi protein. Such studies have shown that RBP-J chi regulates PNS cell fate in at least two steps: commitment to sensory mother cell by lateral inhibition and terminal differentiation into the socket and sh aft, cells. Taken together with analysis of phenotypes of Suppressor o f Hairless mutants, RBP-J chi shows the synergistic activity with neur ogenic genes.