Structure, chromosomal localization, and expression of the Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding sepiapterin reductase

We have isolated and characterized a Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding the sepiapterin reductase (SR). The gene does not have introns. The 5'- and 3'-RACE analysis, which determined the transcription start point (tsp) and polyadenylation site, respectively, showed that the gene produces single m RNA species. The potential promoter region lacks distinct TATAAA or CCAAT b ox consensus sequences. RNA blot analysis revealed that the gene encodes a 1.4 kb transcript that could be detected throughout development and in both heads and bodies of adults. The Drosophila SR gene maps to 15A on the X ch romosome. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.