| Uniprot: | Q9VB75 |
| Organism: | Drosophila melanogaster |
| Genderblind | |
| Symbol: | gb |
Genderblind, also known as CG6070, is a gene that was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster by University of Illinois at Chicago researcher David Featherstone.[1] The gene encodes a member of the cystine/glutamate transporter family of proteins.
Genderblind protein is expressed in glial cells where it secretes the neurotransmitter glutamate and regulates the organization of glutamate receptors.[2]
A mutation in Genderblind alters the sexual behavior of Drosophila, turning the flies bisexual.[1] Drosophila given drugs to alter synapse strength, independent of the Genderblind mutation, allowed researchers to "turn fly homosexuality on and off, within hours".[1] The researchers believe this effect is due to the flies' altered response to pheromones.