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First published online August 4, 2003
doi: 10.1242/10.1242/dev.00651

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Mutation of the photoreceptor specific homeodomain gene Pph13 results in defects in phototransduction and rhabdomere morphogenesis

Andrew C. Zelhof^*, Edmund Koundakjian, Audra L. Scully, Robert W. Hardy and Linda Pounds

Division of Biology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA 92093, USA

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: azelhof{at}biomail.ucsd.edu)

Accepted 5 June 2003

The expression and organization of the phototransduction signaling proteins into a specialized light-sensing organelle, the rhabdomere, is required for photoreceptor cells to detect light. We report the characterization of the mutant Pph13^hazy. Pph13 is a homeodomain transcription factor expressed only in photoreceptor cells. Pph13 expression correlates with the differentiation and not specification of photoreceptor cells. In agreement with its expression profile, we find Pph13 is required for both rhabdomere morphogenesis and for the proper detection of light. In addition, we demonstrate that Pph13 exerts its effect by the regulation of photoreceptor specific gene expression.

Key words: Homeodomain, Photoreceptor, Rhabdomere, Phototransduction, Terminal differentiation, Hazy, Drosophila

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