Screen for enhancers of Polycomb and Polycomblike in Drosophila melanogaster

There are 11 Polycomb group genes known in Drosophila. These genes are negative regulators of homeotic gene expression, and may act by modifying chromatin structure. It is not clear how many members of the Polycomb group of genes exist. Many were discovered because of their homeotic phenotypes, or because they enhance homeotic mutations. Systematic screens for enhancers of Polycomb have identified previously known members of the Polycomb group. In an attempt to discover cytological locations of new Polycomb group genes, we crossed deletions uncovering about 20% of the genome to Polycomb-like and Polycomb and scored for enhancement of the extra sex combs phenotype. Haploidy for four regions, 36F7-37A, 43E18; 44B5-9, 70C2-6, and 70C6-15; 70D enhanced the extra sex comb phenotype associated with strong Polycomb group mutations. These regions have homeotic phenotypes either as homozygous embryos or heterozygous adults, or both. We also show that spalt enhances Polycomb group mutations. These results are discussed with respect to previous estimates of Polycomb group gene number.