Separate regulatory elements are responsible for the complex pattern of tissue-specific and developmental transcription of the yellow locus in Drosophila melanogaster.

DNA sequences involved in the control of the developmental and spatial expression of the yellow locus of Drosophila were identified by phenotypic analysis of germline transformants carrying various in vitro modified yellow genes. Two regions, located between -2873 bp and -1868 bp and between -1868 bp and -700 bp, act as tissue-specific enhancers which respectively regulate yellow transcription in the wings and body of the adult flies. Sequences situated closer to the mRNA cap site, between -225 bp and -91 bp from the start of transcription, are responsible for yellow expression in the denticle belts and mouth parts during larval development. Finally, coloration of the adult bristles is regulated by sequences located in the intron of the yellow gene. These results indicate the existence of several separate DNA elements responsible for the different patterns of temporal and spatial expression of the yellow locus.