# MECHANISMS FOR SEX DETERMINATION IN GERM CELLS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 1994 · $255,059

## Abstract

Although recent genetic and molecular evidence has clarified the mechanisms
utilized for sex determination in somatic tissues of Drosophila
melanogaster, there has been little information relating to the germ line.
Recently, however, ovo has been shown to be active in a sex-specific manner
as early as the blastoderm stage and that mutations in ovo cause a switch
in differentiation into the male germ line pathway.  Both molecular and
genetic analysis of ovo indicate that it shares sequences with shavenbaby
(svb), a polyphasic zygotic lethal.  Sequence information has been
published for cDNA clones isolated from embryonic libraries which indicates
that the gene codes for a putative nuclear protein with four zinc fingers
near the C-terminus.  We have identified a cDNA from an ovary library which
codes for a different isoform containing an additional 177 amino acids
inserted prior to the zinc-fingers.  We propose to analyze the 5' terminus
of the ovo-svb transcript, utilizing PCR methodology.  With PCR, we will
identify the genetic origin of the different classes of RNAs.  We will
prepare antibodies both against the zinc-finger region as well as against
the 177 amino acid portion specific to one isoform of the protein.  In situ
hybridization with digoxygenin-labelled probes and immunolocalization will
be carried out to identify the cell and tissue basis for ovo and svb
expression.  We will determine the DNA-binding sites of the ovo protein by
staining the nurse cell polytene chromosomes of ovarian tumor mutants.  If
any of the staining sites correspond to regions where putative interacting
genes with ovo are located, we will attempt to identify the specific sites
responsible for DNA binding by gel shift assays.  From these studies we
should gain an understanding of the role of ovo germ cell function.  These
results will lay the foundation for investigating other genes involved in
sex determination in the germ line.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2197492
- **Project number:** 5R01HD017608-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ZUE9HKT2CLC9
- **Principal Investigator:** ANTHONY P MAHOWALD
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $255,059
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-08-01 → 1997-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2197492

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2197492, MECHANISMS FOR SEX DETERMINATION IN GERM CELLS (5R01HD017608-12). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-26 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2197492. Licensed CC0.

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