The Drosophila dribble (dbe) gene encodes a KH domain protein, homologous t
o yeast KRR1p. Expression of dbe transcripts is ubiquitous during embryogen
esis. Overexpressed Dribble protein is localized in the nucleus and in some
cell types in a subregion of the nucleolus. Homozygous dbe mutants die at
first instar larval stage. Clonal analyses suggest that dbe(+) is required
for survival of dividing cells. In dbe mutants, a novel rRNA-processing def
ect is found and accumulation of an abnormal rRNA precursor is detected.