X-linked loci of Drosophila melanogaster causing defects in the morphology of the embryonic salivary glands

To identify X chromosomal genes required for salivary gland development in the Drosophila embryo, we screened embryos hemizygous for EMS-induced lethal mutations to find mutations causing gross morphological defects in salivary gland development. The parental strain carried a lac Z transgene on the second chromosome, which was specifically expressed in the salivary glands so the mutations could be unambiguously identified. Embryos from 3,383 lines were tested for salivary gland abnormalities following lacZ staining. From 63 lines exhibiting aberrant salivary gland phenotypes, 52 stable lines were established containing mutations affecting salivary gland development. From these, 39 lines could be assigned to nine complementation groups: armadillo, brinker, folded gastrulation, giant, hindsight, Notch, runt, stardust and twisted gastrulation. Received: 10 April 2000 / Accepted: 31 May 2000