Gene dosage and selective expression modify phenotype in a Drosophila model of human mitochondrial disease

Toivonen, J.M., Manjiry, S., Touraille, S., Alziari, S., O'Dell, K.M. and Jacobs, H.T. (2003) Gene dosage and selective expression modify phenotype in a Drosophila model of human mitochondrial disease. Mitochondrion, 3, pp. 83-96. (doi: 10.1016/S1567-7249(03)00077-1)

Abstract

Human mitochondrial disease manifests with a wide range of clinical phenotypes of varying severity. To create a model for these disorders, we have manipulated the Drosophila gene technical knockout, encoding mitoribosomal protein S12. Various permutations of endogenous and transgenic alleles create a range of phenotypes, varying from larval developmental arrest through to mild neurological defects in the adult, and also mimic threshold effects associated with human mtDNA disease. Nuclear genetic background influences mutant phenotype by a compensatory mechanism affecting mitochondrial RNA levels. Selective expression of the wild-type allele indicates critical times and cell-types in development, in which mitochondrial protein synthesis deficiency leads to specific phenotypic outcomes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: O'Dell, Professor Kevin
• Authors: Toivonen, J.M., Manjiry, S., Touraille, S., Alziari, S., O'Dell, K.M., and Jacobs, H.T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Mitochondrion