tef: a mutation that causes telomere fusion and severe genome rearrangements in Drosophila melanogaster

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2001

Authors

Queiroz Machado, J (Author) Other; Perdigao, J (Author) Other; Simoes Carvalho, P (Author) Other; Herrmann, S (Author) Other; Sunkel, CE (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Chromosoma

Vol. 110

Pages: 10-23

ISSN: 0009-5915

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 20 Citations

Scopus - 21 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-VWV

DOI: 10.1007/s004120000116

Abstract (EN): Telomeres are the stable ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotes. These complex protein-nucleic acid structures are essential to maintain genomic stability and the integrity of linear chromosomes. We identified a new mutation in Drosophila that causes a high frequency of end-to-end fusions of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. Linear chromosomal ends appear to be essential for fusions to take place. These fusions do not resolve, leading to cycles of chromosomal breakage and rejoining and severe genome rearrangements. The gene is essential for normal cell proliferation and mutant tissue shows significant apoptosis. Our analysis suggests that the function encoded by the mutant gene is required to protect the linear ends of chromosomes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14