COL4A1 and myopathy: We have identified dominant, temperature-sensitive mutations within the Drosophila type IV collagen gene col4a1, the insect homologue of mammalian COL4A1. Similar to their mammalian counterparts, the mutations trigger a systemic phenotype, including severe myopathy, intestinal dysfunction and a robust immune response manifested by overexpression of antimicrobial peptides and excess synthesis of the oxidants hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite [1], [2], [3].