Molecular cloning of the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase gene in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

We have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones encoding the Drosophila melanogaster S-adenosylmethionine synthetase. The deduced amino acid sequence contains 405 amino acid residues and shows high homology to rat, yeast, Arabidopsis and Escherichia coli counterparts. The gene is transcribed throughout Drosophila development but its main activity is seen in adult males and females. The highest transcription activity is seen in female ovaries. The transcript has an unusually long 5'-untranslated region, which might be of importance for translational regulation.