Phenotypic characterization of D14-3-3e mutations in Drosophila. S.F. Acevedo , E.M.C. Skoulakis. Program of Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.

   14-3-3 proteins are found all species ranging from yeast to humans. In Drosophila, there are two members of the 14-3-3 family, epsilon (D14-3-3e) and zeta (leonardo). We are reporting on the phenotypic analysis of D14-3-3e mutants. D14-3-3e is expressed ubiquitously throughout development, but its expression appears restricted to nervous system and the germ line in adults. Consistent with the developmental expression, mutations in D14-3-3e cause a decrease in viability of homozygotes. In addition, homozygotes display defects in the germ line resulting in adult sterility and wing disc resulting in incomplete or missing crossveins. Previous studies have shown that D14-3-3e and LEONARDO form dimers in vitro. We are confirming this interaction in vivo and are examining whether homo- or heterodimers are responsible for the phenotypic differences of mutants in the two isotypes.