A recessive X-linked mutation causes a threefold reduction of total body zinc accumulation in Drosophila melanogaster laboratory strains.

A newly identified human locus on chromosome 15 was recently associated with zinc accumulation. Based on a prior report of a threefold difference in zinc accumulation between fumble(1) heterozygous mutants and control fly strains, it was suggested that phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase might affect zinc status through its effects on vitamin B5 (pantothenate) metabolism. We report here that outcrossed fumble(1) heterozygous mutant flies with low zinc content have been recovered, suggesting that pantothenate metabolism did not alter zinc homeostasis in fumble(1) heterozygous flies. We show instead that the Drosophila condition of low body zinc accumulation is an X-chromosome-linked recessive trait.