Our analysis demonstrates that rap gene function is critical for normal eye pattern formation. Several lines of evidence suggest that rap acts early to regulate the initial steps in ommatidial formation is required only in the cell R8 for normal pattern formation, consistent with the notion that rap acts at the beginning of pattern formation. Our present studies are aimed at a genetic and molecular analysis of the rap gene with a view to understand the molecular nature of the rap gene product, its expression pattern and identify other gene products that interact with the rap gene. A significant portion of our research efforts are also directed towards understanding the molecular and genetic basis of the prune- Killer of prune interaction and its role in GTP homeostasis during development. Mbogho, M.P., Shamloula, H. K., Pimentel, A. C., Okano.
Star mutations show synergistic interactions with rap .