We present a molecular study of the Drosophila melanogaster Mgat2 gene that codes for the N-acetylglucosaminyliransferase II. Isolation and analysis of two cDNA clones indicated that the gene is alternatively spliced, generating two transcripts of 3.3 and 2.7 kb. Developmental specificity was observed between the two alternative transcripts during the major developmental stages of D. melanogaster. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two proteins show significant homology to the equivalent mammalian proteins, especially in the carboxyterminal region. In situ hybridizations in embryos and embryonic imaginal discs showed that the gene is expressed mainly but not exclusively in the brain. Published by Elsevier Inc.