Spatial and Temporal Specificity of D14-3-3z (LEO) and Interacting Proteins in Drosophila melanogaster. S.F. Acevedo , E.M.C. Skoulakis. Department of Biology, Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.

   14-3-3 proteins are a diverse family of proteins found in every species and tissues examined ranging form plants to animals. These proteins have a variety of functions including both positive and negative regulation of Raf, effects on cell cycle and regulation of other signaling pathways. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two isoforms of D14-3-3z (LEONARDO or LEO) and one isoform of D14-3-3e (EPSILON). To address possible functional differences, isoform specificity at different stages and in different tissues of the Drosophilawas determined. Both isoforms were transmitted maternally and leo II was present in mushroom bodies and during stages of CNS development. We report on the characterization of the LEO interacting proteins D14-3-3e and two novel proteins we named LIPS, with respect to isoform specificity and tissue and temporal distribution.