Abstract
The neurogenic genes of Drosophila are required for cell-cell communication that determines the choice between neuronal and epidermal cell fate. Here we report the molecular characterization of the neurogenic gene neuralized (neu) and show that it encodes a protein containing a C3HC4 zinc finger DNA-binding motif. This motif has been previously characterized in a variety of regulatory proteins, including transcription factors, locus-specific Drosophila chromosomal proteins, and oncoproteins. These results suggest a nuclear function for neu in the cell-cell signalling process responsible for inhibiting neuronal determination.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Cell Communication / genetics
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Cloning, Molecular
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DNA
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
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Drosophila / embryology
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Drosophila / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Ligases*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
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Neurons / cytology
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases*
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Zinc Fingers / genetics*
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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DNA
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
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neur protein, Drosophila
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Ligases