A Drosophila photoreceptor cell-specific protein, calphotin, binds calcium and contains a leucine zipper.

Ballinger, D G; Xue, N; Harshman, K D · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1993

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The calphotin protein, encoded by the calphotin (cap) gene, is expressed in the soma and axons of all Drosophila photoreceptor cells. It is expressed early in photo-receptor cell development, at the time when cell-type decisions are being made. Expression of calphotin is not altered by the glass mutation, which blocks photoreceptor cell development. The calphotin protein binds calcium and contains a long C-terminal leucine zipper. Potential implications of these properties are discussed.

Medical subject headings