The apterous gene in Drosophila encodes a protein required for wing patterning and growth. It is also known to function in nerve development, fertility, and viability. When human and mouse genes whose protein products closely resemble apterous were used to generate transgenic Drosophila [Rincon-Limas et al. (1999). Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (USA) 96:2165–2170], the apterous mutant phenotype was rescued. In addition, the whole-body expression patterns in the transgenic Drosophila were similar to normal apterous.

What is meant by the term rescued in this context?

Key Concepts

Gene Function and Phenotype

In genetics, a gene's function refers to the specific biological role it plays in an organism, often influencing traits or characteristics, known as phenotypes. The apterous gene in Drosophila is crucial for wing development and other physiological processes. When a gene is mutated, it can lead to a phenotype that deviates from the norm, such as the apterous mutant phenotype, which lacks proper wing formation.

Transgenic Organisms

Transgenic organisms are those that have been genetically modified to contain genes from other species. In this case, human and mouse genes similar to the apterous gene were introduced into Drosophila. This technique allows researchers to study gene function and the effects of specific proteins on development and physiology, providing insights into genetic rescue and functional conservation across species.

Genetic Rescue

Genetic rescue refers to the process by which the introduction of a functional gene can restore normal phenotype or function in an organism with a genetic mutation. In the context of the apterous gene, the introduction of similar genes from humans and mice into the Drosophila resulted in the restoration of normal wing development, effectively 'rescuing' the mutant phenotype. This demonstrates the conservation of genetic functions across different species.