logjam Encodes a Predicted EMP24/GP25 Protein That Is Required for Drosophila Oviposition Behavior

A newly characterized Drosophila melanogaster gene, logjam (loj), functions in female reproduction by modulating oviposition behavior. The locus encodes at least six overlapping transcripts with unique 5ʹ ends. P-element mutants that express very low levels of loj transcripts are unable to oviposit mature eggs. This phenotype can be rescued by the introduction of a transgene expressing the most abundant loj transcript. As for many genes that specify behavioral outputs, loj is present in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, it is also observed in vitellogenic egg chambers, suggesting that there may be multiple functions for this gene in egg-laying behavior. loj encodes a predicted protein with homology to the EMP24/GP25 transmembrane components of cytoplasmic vesicles and likely functions in intracellular trafficking.