Biopolymers and cell. 2008; 24 (4): 286 - 293

Min-like protein of Drosophila virilis and its mutant forms: primary structure and possible functional role

O. W. Zhuk, I. A. Kozeretska, A. V. Sivolob

The primary structure of Min-like protein – product of miniature-like gene of D. virilis – was predicted by genome sequences analysis, further confirmed by the mRNA sequencing. The high conservatism of the protein in some insects was demonstrated. We analyzed the sites necessary for Min-like protein functioning. The investigation of gene expression in mutant ml⁴² and ml^G1 females showed the presence of whole-size transcripts, the determination of their primary structure allowed us to suggest the grounds of mutant phenotype appearance.

Keywords: Drosophila virilis, proteins with ZP domain, functional regions, maternal effect, evolutional conservatism.