Troponin I is encoded in the haplolethal region of the Shaker gene complex of Drosophila.

We have analyzed one of the nine complementation groups that constitute the haplolethal (HL) region of the Shaker gene complex (ShC). Five mutations, including a dominant lethal, define this complementation group: HL I. Mutant phenotypes show abnormal embryogenesis with structural defects in the nervous system and aberrant degeneration of specific adult muscles in addition to altered action potentials. HL I encodes a family of proteins with extensive homology to invertebrate troponin I (TnI). Members of this family are brought about by two alternative and two mutually exclusive exons in conjunction with two differential polyadenylation sites. Transcription analysis indicates that some isoforms are adult specific and others are synthesized throughout development, except during early metamorphosis. Certain isoforms of Drosophila TnI are expressed in specific muscles. The specificity of mutant phenotypes suggests a functional role of particular TnI isoforms in the development and the mature activity of muscle and nervous systems.