Summary
The distribution of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes in meiotic and post-meiotic cells of Drosophila hydei males was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. Three monoclonal antibodies (S5, T7, X4) raised against Drosophila melanogaster non-histone nuclear proteins bind specifically to Y chromosomal structures, which are indispensable for male fertility. Y-deficient males, however, show the RNP antigens distributed evenly in the spermatocyte nuclei. It can be observed that the association of these proteins with RNP complexes is not transient but stable. Therefore, it is possible to detect this labelled material throughout the meiotic divisions and finally in the differentiating sperm. The distinguishable label patterns of the antibodies suggest that at least three different RNA-associated protein complexes exist with respect to their nuclear location. Furthermore, these observations are in agreement with the assumption that parts of the Y chromosome act as nuclear storage organelles for RNP that is necessary for sperm development. The preserved antigens may be involved in the RNA metabolism of the spermatid nucleus.
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Communicated by E. Bautz
This paper is dedicated to Prof. H. Mergner on occasion of his retirement
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Glätzer, K.H. Preservation of nuclear RNP antigens in male germ cell development of Drosophila hydei . Mol Gen Genet 196, 236–243 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00328055
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00328055