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. 1998 Mar;148(3):1159–1169. doi: 10.1093/genetics/148.3.1159

Genetic and developmental characterization of Dmca1D, a calcium channel alpha1 subunit gene in Drosophila melanogaster.

D F Eberl 1, D Ren 1, G Feng 1, L J Lorenz 1, D Van Vactor 1, L M Hall 1
PMCID: PMC1460043  PMID: 9539432

Abstract

To begin unraveling the functional significance of calcium channel diversity, we identified mutations in Dmca1D, a Drosophila calcium channel alpha1 subunit cDNA that we recently cloned. These mutations constitute the l(2)35Fa lethal locus, which we rename Dmca1D. A severe allele, Dmca1D(X10), truncates the channel after the IV-S4 transmembrane domain. These mutants die as late embryos because they lack vigorous hatching movements. In the weaker allele, Dmca1D(AR66), a cysteine in transmembrane domain I-S1 is changed to tyrosine. Dmca1D(AR66) embryos hatch but pharate adults have difficulty eclosing. Those that do eclose have difficulty in fluid-filling of the wings. These studies show that this member of the calcium channel alpha1 subunit gene family plays a nonredundant, vital role in larvae and adults.

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Selected References

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