High impact information on zen2

• Thus, pb and z2 show similarities to neighboring ANT-C genes in their expression patterns, yet these similarities are not manifested in comparable loss-of-function embryonic phenotypes [1].
• Surprisingly, we find that individuals deleted for both the pb and z2 transcription units survive to adulthood and produce normal larval cuticular structures [1].
• This transcription unit has been shown to contain a homeo box and has been designated z2 [1].
• We have used P-element-mediated germ line transformation to show that z1 alone can provide zen+ gene function, suggesting that the z2 gene might be dispensable [2].
• Specifically, fushi tarazu (ftz) promoter elements can direct the periodic expression of the z2 gene, which normally shows a simple 'dorsal on/ventral off' pattern of expression [3].

Biological context of zen2

• First, the z2 gene, a member of the ANT-C in D. melanogaster, is not present in the D. pseudoobscura ANT-C and is possibly absent from the D. pseudoobscura genome [4].

Other interactions of zen2

• The putative proteins encoded by z1 and z2 are highly divergent and are related only by virtue of homeo box homology [2].

References