Molecular cloning and characterization of a transcription factor for the copia retrotransposon with homology to the BTB-containing lola neurogenic factor.

By transfection experiments, we previously identified a 72-bp enhancer sequence within the Drosophila copia retrotransposon which is involved in the control of the transcription level of this mobile element in cells in culture. Gel shift assays with nuclear extracts from Drosophila hydei-derived DH-33 cells further demonstrated specific interactions of at least two nuclear factors with this enhancer sequence. Using this sequence as a probe for the screening of an expression cDNA library that we constructed from DH-33 cells RNA, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding a 110-kDa protein with features common to those of known transcription factors; these include a two-zinc-finger motif at the C terminus, three glutamine-rich domains in the presumptive activation domain of the protein, and an N-terminal domain which shares homology with the Bric-à-brac, Tramtrack, and Broad-Complex BTB boxes. The precise DNA recognition sequence for this transcription factor has been determined by both gel shift assays and footprinting experiments with a recombinant protein made in bacteria. The functionality of the cloned element was demonstrated upon transcriptional activation of copia reporter genes, as well as of a minimal promoter coupled with the identified target DNA sequence, in cotransfection assays in cells in culture with an expression vector for the cloned factor. Southern blot and nucleotide sequence analyses revealed a related gene in Drosophila melanogaster (the lola gene) previously identified by a genetic approach as involved in axon growth and guidance. Transfection assays in cells in culture with lola gene expression vectors and in situ hybridization experiments with lola gene mutants finally provided evidence that the copia retrotransposon is regulated by this neurogenic gene in D.melanogaster, with a repressor effect in the central nervous systems of the embryos.