ATTENUATION OF WHITE GENE-EXPRESSION IN TRANSGENIC DROSOPHILA-MELANOGASTER - POSSIBLE ROLE OF A CATALYTIC ANTISENSE RNA

We have transformed Drosophila melanogaster with a DNA construct encod ing a catalytic antisense RNA directed against the primary white gene RNA transcript. Total RNA isolated from transformed flies was shown to catalyze the specific cleavage of in vitro transcribed substrate RNA, indicating the expression of a functional ribozyme. Moreover, transge nic lines carrying homozygous copies of this construct depict a furthe r clear-cut reduction in eye pigmentation when present in a genetic ba ckground that has a priori reduced levels of white gene expression. (C ) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.