Construct: Deletion of the Autoregulatory Socket Enhancer (ASE) sequences from downstream of the Su(H) gene.
The mean transepithelial potential (TEP) and mechanoreceptor potential (MRP) of mechanosensory bristles of flies carrying Su(H)RC-ΔASE in a Su(H)unspecified background are reduced compared to wild type. The mechanoreceptor current (MRC) is also reduced compared to wild type. A clearly identifiable tormogen cell is evident in the mutant bristles. Flies carrying two copies of Su(H)RC-ΔASE in a wild-type background do not have a double-socket bristle phenotype.
Sox154AA, Su(H)8/Su(H)2, Su(H)RC-ΔASE has tormogen cell phenotype
Su(H)2 Sox154AA/Su(H)8 Sox154AA; Su(H)RC-ΔASE mutants show a more dramatic socket differentiation defect than either single mutant. Most of the double mutant bristles have a convex (rather than concave) socket-shaft cuticular interface. Dome of these bulbous socket structures extend one or more small cuticular projections, while others extend one or two distinctly shaft-like structures.
Su(H)unspecified flies carrying one copy of Su(H)RC-ΔASE are viable and fertile and more than 99.5% of macrochaetae are wild type. A low frequency of double shafts and missing bristles (less than 0.5% combined) is seen.