The Drosophila ACP65A cuticle gene: Deletion scanning analysis of cis-regulatory sequences and regulation by DHR38

The regulatory sequences of the Drosophila ACP65A cuticle gene were analyzed in vivo in transgenic flies, using both fusion genes constructs and transposase‐mediated deletions within a P element containing ACP65A regulatory sequences fused to the lacZ gene (deletion scanning). The sequences located between −594 and +161 are sufficient to confer both temporal and spatial expression specificities, indicating the presence of tissue‐specific enhancers and response elements to hormone‐induced factors. In addition, timing of expression and tissue‐specificity appear to be controlled by distinct cis‐regulatory elements, which suggests the existence of independent hormonal and tissue‐specific signaling pathways. Gain and loss of function studies also implicate DHR38, the Drosophila homolog of the vertebrate NGFI‐B‐type nuclear receptors, as an important activator of the ACP65A gene. genesis 43:17–27, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.