New resources for the Drosophila 4th chromosome: FRT101F enabled mitotic clones and Bloom syndrome helicase enabled meiotic recombination

Genes on the long arm of the Drosophila melanogaster 4th chromosome are difficult to study because the chromosome lacks mitotic and meiotic recombination. Without recombination numerous standard methods of genetic analysis are impossible. Here, we report new resources for the 4th. For mitotic recombination, we generated a chromosome with an FRT very near the centromere in 101F and a derivative that carries FRT101F with a distal ubiquitously expressed GAL80 transgene. This pair of chromosomes enables both unmarked and MARCM clones. For meiotic recombination, we demonstrate that a Bloom syndrome helicase and recombination defective double mutant genotype can create recombinant 4th chromosomes via female meiosis. All strains will be available to the community via the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center. Additional resources for studies of the 4th are in preparation and will also be made available. The goal of the 4th Chromosome Resource Project is to accelerate the genetic analysis of protein-coding genes on the 4th, including the 44 genes with no demonstrated function. Studies of these previously inaccessible but largely conserved genes will close longstanding gaps in our knowledge of metazoan development and physiology.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the challenges of studying the genes on the fourth chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster and presents new resources for the study of this chromosome. The authors have generated a pair of chromosomes that can be used for both unmarked and MARCM clones. Additionally, they have demonstrated that a specific mutation can create recombinant fourth chromosomes during female meiosis. These resources will be made available to the Drosophila research community and will contribute to filling the gaps in our understanding of metazoan development and physiology.