Objective
The existing Network has the objective of characterising genes essential for progression through the mitotic cycle in Drosophila and fission yeast. As such, a hope is to identify conserved cell cycle regulatory mechanisms. This proposal, to be carried out in collaboration with three Hungarian laboratories, is to extend the screen for mitotic mutations in Drosophila to a collection of P-transposon induced lethals recently constructed-in Szeged.
Preliminary studies to screen a collection of second chromosome mutants have identified this as a rich source of cell cycle mutants. This screen will be continued, and interesting mutants characterised genetically in preparation for gene cloning; and screened for allelic mutations and mutations in interacting genes. Additional mutant alleles will be generated at these loci. Already, 10 mitotic mutants have been identified and a thorough characterisation of the cell biology of three metaphase arrest mutants, currant-bun, clootie-dumpling and spotted dick, is underway - together with plans for their molecular characterisation. Such studies would be facilitated by this programme.
The screen will be extended to search for DNA replication mutants by following the ability oE embryonic and larval tissues to incorporate BUDR. So far, one P-insertion has been identified in the gene for PCNA. A similar collection of mutants has also been made for the third chromosome. This is now at a stage to begin screening for cell cycle mutants using the strategies already established for the second chromosome. Support is requested for the maintenance of these collections, and for technical and scientific assistance in these labour intensive screens. The longer term objectives are the molecular characterisation of third chromosome genes essential for cell cycle progression.
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
DD1 4HN Dundee
United Kingdom