Mapping point mutations in the Drosophila rosy locus using denaturing gradient gel blots

Abstract

Mutations within the rosy locus of Drosophila were mapped using blots of genomic DNA fragments separated on denaturing gradient gels. DNA sequence differences between otherwise idenical small rosy DNA fragments were detected among the mutants as mobility shifts on the blots. Mutations were mapped to within a few hundred base pairs of rosy sequence in 100 of 130 mutants tested - a 77% detection rate. The sequence changes in 43 rosy mutations are presented; all but six of these were single base changes. Thirty-four of 36 sequenced mutations induced by the alkylating agents N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and ehtyl methanesulfonate were transitions. All of the mutations mapped in the rosy transcription unit. Twenty-three of the 43 sequenced mutations change the predicted rosy gene polypeptide sequence; the remainder would interrupt protein translation (17), or disrupt mRNA processing (3).