Promoter Specificity Mediates the Independent Regulation of Neighboring Genes

Even though enhancers can exert their influence over great distances, their effect generally is limited to a single gene. To discern the mechanism by which this constraint can be mediated, I have studied three neighboring Drosophila genes: decapentaplegic (dpp), SLY1 homologous (Slh) and out at first (oaf). Several dpp enhancers are positioned close to Slh and oaf and yet these genes are unaffected by the dpp elements. However, when a transposon is located within the oaf gene, the dpp enhancers activate the more distant transposon promoters while still ignoring the closer Slh and oaf start sites. To test whether this promoter specificity accounts for the regulatory autonomy normally found for the three genes, I have used in vivo gene targeting to replace the oaf promoter with a dpp-compatible one in an otherwise normal chromosome. Strikingly, this chimeric gene is now activated by the dpp enhancers. Thus, the properties of the promoters themselves are sufficient to mediate the autonomous regulation of genes in this region.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Merli, Christopher Allan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Blackman, Ronald K.

• Biology, Molecular

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9717310

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/85389