In vivo analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster e(y)1/TAF(II)40 gene

A study was made of the molecular structure and properties of the Drosophil a melanogaster enhancer of yellow 1 (e(y)1) gene which is involved in long- range promoter-enhancer interactions. The gene codes for transcription fact or TAF(II)40 (a component of the pre-initiation transcription complex TFIID ) and is expressed in all cells at all developmental stages. The protein oc curs in virtually all discs of polytene chromosomes. The e(y)1 gene is mate rnal, and its product is accumulated in oocytes. Suppression of e(y)1 is le thal. Two mutations obtained, e(y)1(ul) and e(y)1(P1), result from insertio n of Stalker and the P element, respectively. Genetic analysis of e(y)1(ul) suggests that internal promoters are sensitive to a decrease in TAF(II)40.