Molecular genetic analyses of mutations in retinal development in Drosophila have led to the discovery of many important genes controlling neural development and interactions. The principal investigator will use this paradigm to isolate genes important in the development of the sensory innervation of Drosophila wing. The research will lead to genes that control aspects of development that are not operative during retinal development, e.g., guidance of axons over long distances. A behavioral assay has been developed that will quickly detect mutations in sensory innvervation. Mutant lines will be obtained primarily from a large scale P-element insertion mutagenesis carried out in the laboratory of Dr. Allan Spradling. The insects carry a reporter gene (bacterial B-galactosidase) that provides an immediate picture of the distribution of putative gene activity. These constructs greatly facilitate the subsequent cloning of genes of major interest. A number of the wing's mechanoreceptors are characterized at the single cell level, and much is known about their normal development. Thus, the system is advantageous for the kind of developmental genetic approach that has been so fruitful in the case of the Drosophila eye.
