We report here that the general ectopic expression of a tryptophan/guanine transmembrane transporter gene, white (w), induces male-male courtship in Drosophila. Activation of a hsp-70/miniwhite (mini-w) transgene in mature males results in a marked change in their sexual behavior such that they begin to vigorously court other mature males. In transformant populations containing equal numbers of both sexes, most males participate, thus forming male-male courtship chains, circles, and lariats. Mutations that ablate the w transgene function also abolish this inducible behavior. Female sexual behavior does not appear to be altered by ectopic w expression. By contrast, when exposed to an active homosexual courtship environment, nontransformant males alter their behavior and actively participate in the male-male chaining. These findings demonstrate that, in Drosophila, both genetic and environmental factors play a role in male sexual behavior.First reported in 1910 by Morgan, the white (w) gene has, over the decades, served as a prototype for numerous studies concerning gene regulation, insertional mutagenesis, and the behavioral analysis of mutants (1-7). Located at the distal end of the X chromosome (8), its 2.6-kb major transcript (9-11) is predicted to encode a 687-amino acid member of the ATPbinding, transmembrane, transporter superfamily (12, 13), which functions in the passage of the ommochrome and drosopterin pigment precursors, tryptophan and guanine (respectively) across membranes (14, 15). w has been conserved during metazoan evolution as evident from the human and Drosophila cognate proteins sharing 34% identity and 58% similarity (J. Croop, personal communication). In Drosophila, w is required for pigment production in the light-screening cells of the compound eye, ocelli pigment cells, sheath cells of the testes, and the larval Malpighian tubules. Communication between courting Drosophila involves an elaborate repertoire of gender-specific action patterns that transmit either acceptance or repelling signals (2, 16). Use of these signaling routines in a particular order and frequency is dependent upon dynamic feedback, with each partner modifying its behavior in response to signals received (17,18). In Drosophila melanogaster, courtship .between mature males is suppressed by their antiaphrodisiac pheromones and experience-dependent courtship modification (learned from the courting of immature males) as well as through the rejection signals males elicit in response to sexual advances (17,(19)(20)(21). Behavioral analysis of Drosophila mutants has revealed that genetic lesions that knock out single genes frequently have pleiotropic effects that impinge upon normal courtship behavior (reviewed in ref. 22). While the loss of white function does not alter the sexual preference of homozygous viable w-flies, absence of the light-screening pigments in its compound eyes impairs the male's ability to visually track a potential mate, thus reducing his "lights on" mating success when compared toThe publicatio...

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The DNA sequence TAAT is the core binding motif for the mouse homeodomain protein Hox 1.3 (proposed new name, Hoxa-5). These sequences are present within the multiple TAATGARAT regulatory motifs in the promoters of the immediate-early genes which control herpes simplex virus type 1 replication. To investigate the role of this homeodomain protein in the regulation of herpes simplex virus gene expression and pathogenesis, transgenic mice containing a mouse Hox 1.3 cDNA under the control of the virusand interferon-inducible Mx 1 promoter were generated. After infection of transgenic mice with herpes simplex virus, Hox 1.3 RNA and protein were expressed at the sites ofvirus replication. In these transgenic mice, herpes simplex virus replication, spread of virus through the host, and virus-induced mortality were markedly