Stage-specific hypermutability of the regA locus of Volvox, a gene regulating the germ-soma dichotomy

Journal Article · Fri Jan 16 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Cell; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(87)90351-5· OSTI ID:6790638

Kirk, D L; Baran, G J; Harper, J F; Huskey, R J; Huson, K S; Zagris, N

Mutation at the regA locus confers on somatic cells of Volvox (which otherwise undergo programmed death) ability to redifferentiate as reproductive cells. Stable mutations at the regA locus, but not at other loci, were induced at high frequency when embryos at one particular stage were exposed to either UV irradiation, novobiocin, nalidixic acid, bleomycin, 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline-1-oxide, 5-bromodeoxyuridine, or 5-fluorouracil. All treatments led to some mutations that were not expressed until the second generation after treatment. The sensitive period was after somatic and reproductive cells of the next generation had been set apart, but before they had undergone cytodifferentiation. Hypermutability occurs in presumptive reproductive cells (in which regA is normally not expressed) somewhat before regA normally acts in somatic cells. We postulate that hypermutability of regA in the reproductive cells at this time reflects a change of state that the locus undergoes as it is inactivated.

• Research Organization: Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO
• OSTI ID: 6790638
• Journal Information: Cell; (United States), Vol. 1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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