Abstract
The klumpfuss (klu) transcription unit in Drosophila gives rise to two different transcripts of 4.5 and 4.9 kb, both of which encode a putative transcription factor with four zinc-finger motifs of the C2H2 class. Zinc-finger 2-4 are homologous to those of the proteins of the EGR transcription factor family. As in the case of the most divergent member of the family, the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT-1), klu contains an additional zinc finger, which is only distantly related. Loss of klumpfuss function is semilethal and causes a variety of defects in bristles and legs of adults, as well as in mouth hooks and brains of larvae. Analysis of the mutants indicates that klumpfuss is required for proper specification and differentiation of a variety of cells, including the sensory organ mother cells and those of the distal parts of tarsal segments.
