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Power tools for gene expression and clonal analysis in Drosophila

Nature Methods volume 9, pages 47–55 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

The development of two-component expression systems in Drosophila melanogaster, one of the most powerful genetic models, has allowed the precise manipulation of gene function in specific cell populations. These expression systems, in combination with site-specific recombination approaches, have also led to the development of new methods for clonal lineage analysis. We present a hands-on user guide to the techniques and approaches that have greatly increased resolution of genetic analysis in the fly, with a special focus on their application for lineage analysis. Our intention is to provide guidance and suggestions regarding which genetic tools are most suitable for addressing different developmental questions.

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Figure 1: Controlling expression patterns.
Figure 2: Convertible enhancer trap strategy.
Figure 3: Genetic system for clonal analysis.
Figure 4: Lineage models for clonal analysis systems.

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Acknowledgements

We thank X. Li, C. Bertet, N. Vogt, D. Vasiliauskas, J. Rister and R.J. Johnston for helpful comments on the manuscript. A.d.V.R. is funded by a fellowship from Fundación Caja Madrid. D.D. is funded by a US National Institutes of Health postdoctoral fellowship 1F32EY021065. This work was supported by a grant from US National Institutes of Health EY13012 to C.D.

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  1. Alberto del Valle Rodríguez and Dominic Didiano: These authors contributed equally to this work.

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  1. Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York, USA

    Alberto del Valle Rodríguez, Dominic Didiano & Claude Desplan

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Correspondence to Claude Desplan.

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del Valle Rodríguez, A., Didiano, D. & Desplan, C. Power tools for gene expression and clonal analysis in Drosophila. Nat Methods 9, 47–55 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmeth.1800

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