Characterization of the AdhSL regulatory mutation in Drosophila melanogaster

We describe the characterization of a previously reported control mutation, AdhSL, in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene of Drosophila melanogaster, which results in decreased production of ADH molecules and subsequently lower ADH activity in adults. We find that the regulatory element modifies ADH mRNA levels and acts cis on both ADH protein and mRNA. It is not promoter specific but is developmentally specific to the adult stage. The AdhSL allele carries a 4.5-kb insert approximately 3 kb 5' to the distal promoter. This new insertion may be responsible for the regulatory phenotype of AdhSL.