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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Ex vivo Culture of Drosophila Pupal Testis and Single Male Germ-line Cysts: Dissection, Imaging, and Pharmacological Treatment
Published on: September 11, 2014
DNA base sequence changes induced by diethyl sulfate in postmeiotic male germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster
L M Sierra1, A Pastink, M J Nivard
1Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Sylvius Laboratory, State University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The DNA base sequence changes induced by diethyl sulfate (DES) were analyzed in postmeiotic male germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster. 31 transmissible vermilion mutants were recovered in F1 and F2 generations, with a frequency of 2.6 x 10(-4) for the F1, and of 1.8-13 x 10(-4) for the F2. The results show that DES induces both base pair substitutions (93%) and deletions (7%). In accord with its relatively high ability to alkylate oxygens in DNA, the most frequent type of sequence alteration among the basepair changes are GC-AT transitions, accounting for 73% of mutations, followed by transversions AT-TA (10%). DES also induced AT-GC transitions and AT-CG transversions. Both induced deletions were intralocus deletions, not occurring between basepair repeats. No influence of neighboring bases on the mutation position was found.
Insights
Diethyl sulfate (DES) causes DNA mutations in Drosophila melanogaster germ cells. DES primarily induces GC-AT transitions (73%) and deletions (7%), with no influence from neighboring bases.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diethyl sulfate (DES) is a chemical mutagen.
- Understanding DNA damage mechanisms is crucial for assessing mutagenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze DNA base sequence changes induced by DES in Drosophila melanogaster postmeiotic male germ cells.
- To determine the types and frequencies of mutations caused by DES.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to diethyl sulfate.
- Recovery and analysis of transmissible vermilion mutants in F1 and F2 generations.
- Sequencing to identify DNA base alterations.
Main Results:
- DES induced transmissible mutations with frequencies ranging from 2.6 x 10(-4) to 13 x 10(-4).
- DES caused 93% base pair substitutions and 7% deletions.
- GC-AT transitions were the most frequent substitution (73%), followed by AT-TA transversions (10%).
- Induced deletions were intralocus and not influenced by neighboring bases.
Conclusions:
- DES is a potent mutagen that induces primarily base pair substitutions, particularly GC-AT transitions.
- The alkylation of DNA by DES leads to specific mutation patterns.
- Further research can elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms of DES-induced mutagenesis.
