A Key Role for in Anterior Head and Central Brain Patterning in Insects

Overview

Journal Development

Specialty Biology

Date 2017 Aug 17

PMID 28811313

Citations 13

Authors

Peter Kitzmann

Matthias Weisskopf

Magdalena Ines Schacht

Gregor Bucher

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Anterior patterning of animals is based on a set of highly conserved transcription factors but the interactions within the protostome anterior gene regulatory network (aGRN) remain enigmatic. Here, we identify the red flour beetle ortholog of () as a novel upstream component of the aGRN. It is required for the development of the labrum and higher order brain structures, namely the central complex and the mushroom bodies. We reveal interactions by RNAi and heat shock-mediated misexpression. Surprisingly, and mutually activate each other, forming a novel regulatory module at the top of the aGRN. Comparisons of our results with those of sea urchins and cnidarians suggest that has acquired more upstream functions in the aGRN during protostome evolution. Our findings expand the knowledge on gene function to include essential roles in epidermal development and central brain patterning.

Citing Articles

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Gene Regulatory Network that Shaped the Evolution of Larval Apical Organ in Cnidaria.

Gilbert E, Craggs J, Modepalli V Mol Biol Evol. 2023; 41(1).

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Gene expression mapping of the neuroectoderm across phyla - conservation and divergence of early brain anlagen between insects and vertebrates.

Posnien N, Hunnekuhl V, Bucher G Elife. 2023; 12.

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Homologous gene regulatory networks control development of apical organs and brains in Bilateria.

Feuda R, Peter I Sci Adv. 2022; 8(44):eabo2416.

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The Fox Gene Repertoire in the Annelid Owenia fusiformis Reveals Multiple Expansions of the foxQ2 Class in Spiralia.

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