The complexity of the Drosophila compound eye is under the control of eight “master control” genes. These genes are known to interact genetically and biochemically. Documentation of various gene expressions in various eye gene mutants is reported here as well as preliminary results from a deficiency screen to find novel regulators of the eye gene dachshund. Interestingly, in addition to the varying effects of eye genes on one another, we report alternate functions for which sine oculis, eyes absent and dachshund are critical such as gut formation and nervous system development. We also propose slight modifications to the current model of genetic pathways patterning the eye to reflect the abilities of sine oculis and eyes absent to independently activate their downstream target dachshund and their independence of positive feedback from dachshund as well
