1
|
Zhang YH, Ma ZZ, Zhou H, Chao ZJ, Yan S, Shen J. Nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA suppresses wing development of green peach aphids. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:669-682. [PMID: 34288425 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has developed rapidly as a potential "green" pest management strategy. At present, most studies have focused on the screening of aphid lethal genes, whereas only a few studies have been conducted on wing development, which is crucial for aphid migration and plant-virus dissemination. Here, the Myzus persicae genes vestigial (vg) and Ultrabithorax (Ubx) related to wing development, were cloned. These two genes were expressed in various tissues of 3rd-instar winged aphids. The mRNA level of vg was high in 3rd-instar nymphs, whereas the expression level of Ubx was high in adults. The nanocarrier-mediated delivery system delivered double-stranded RNAs for aphid RNAi using topical and root applications. The expression levels of vg and Ubx were downregulated by 44.0% and 36.5%, respectively, using the topical application. The simultaneous RNAi of the two target genes caused 63.3% and 32.2% wing aberration rates using topical and root applications, respectively. The current study provided a promising method for controlling aphid migration to alleviate the spread of insect transmitted plant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Zheng Ma
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jian Chao
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Buffry AD, McGregor AP. Micromanagement of Drosophila Post-Embryonic Development by Hox Genes. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:13. [PMID: 35225966 PMCID: PMC8883937 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hox genes function early in development to determine regional identity in animals. Consequently, the loss or gain of Hox gene expression can change this identity and cause homeotic transformations. Over 20 years ago, it was observed that the role of Hox genes in patterning animal body plans involves the fine-scale regulation of cell fate and identity during development, playing the role of 'micromanagers' as proposed by Michael Akam in key perspective papers. Therefore, as well as specifying where structures develop on animal bodies, Hox genes can help to precisely sculpt their morphology. Here, we review work that has provided important insights about the roles of Hox genes in influencing cell fate during post-embryonic development in Drosophila to regulate fine-scale patterning and morphology. We also explore how this is achieved through the regulation of Hox genes, specific co-factors and their complex regulation of hundreds of target genes. We argue that further investigating the regulation and roles of Hox genes in Drosophila post-embryonic development has great potential for understanding gene regulation, cell fate and phenotypic differentiation more generally.
Collapse
|
3
|
Giraud G, Paul R, Duffraisse M, Khan S, Shashidhara LS, Merabet S. Developmental Robustness: The Haltere Case in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713282. [PMID: 34368162 PMCID: PMC8343187 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental processes have to be robust but also flexible enough to respond to genetic and environmental variations. Different mechanisms have been described to explain the apparent antagonistic nature of developmental robustness and plasticity. Here, we present a “self-sufficient” molecular model to explain the development of a particular flight organ that is under the control of the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Our model is based on a candidate RNAi screen and additional genetic analyses that all converge to an autonomous and cofactor-independent mode of action for Ubx. We postulate that this self-sufficient molecular mechanism is possible due to an unusually high expression level of the Hox protein. We propose that high dosage could constitute a so far poorly investigated molecular strategy for allowing Hox proteins to both innovate and stabilize new forms during evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Soumen Khan
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India
| | - L S Shashidhara
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India.,Ashoka University, Sonipat, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Revaitis NT, Niepielko MG, Marmion RA, Klein EA, Piccoli B, Yakoby N. Quantitative analyses of EGFR localization and trafficking dynamics in the follicular epithelium. Development 2020; 147:dev183210. [PMID: 32680934 PMCID: PMC7438018 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative analyses of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tissues, we generated an sfGFP-tagged EGF receptor (EGFR-sfGFP) in Drosophila The homozygous fly appears similar to wild type with EGFR expression and activation patterns that are consistent with previous reports in the ovary, early embryo, and imaginal discs. Using ELISA, we quantified an average of 1100, 6200 and 2500 receptors per follicle cell (FC) at stages 8/9, 10 and ≥11 of oogenesis, respectively. Interestingly, the spatial localization of the EGFR to the apical side of the FCs at early stages depended on the TGFα-like ligand Gurken. At later stages, EGFR localized to basolateral positions of the FCs. Finally, we followed the endosomal localization of EGFR in the FCs. The EGFR colocalized with the late endosome, but no significant colocalization of the receptor was found with the early endosome. The EGFR-sfGFP fly is an exciting new resource for studying cellular localization and regulation of EGFR in tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Revaitis
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Matthew G Niepielko
- New Jersey Center for Science, Technology & Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Robert A Marmion
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Eric A Klein
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Department of Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Benedetto Piccoli
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Nir Yakoby
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Department of Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Diaz-de-la-Loza MDC, Loker R, Mann RS, Thompson BJ. Control of tissue morphogenesis by the HOX gene Ultrabithorax. Development 2020; 147:dev184564. [PMID: 32122911 PMCID: PMC7063672 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the Ultrabithorax (Ubx) gene cause homeotic transformation of the normally two-winged Drosophila into a four-winged mutant fly. Ubx encodes a HOX family transcription factor that specifies segment identity, including transformation of the second set of wings into rudimentary halteres. Ubx is known to control the expression of many genes that regulate tissue growth and patterning, but how it regulates tissue morphogenesis to reshape the wing into a haltere is still unclear. Here, we show that Ubx acts by repressing the expression of two genes in the haltere, Stubble and Notopleural, both of which encode transmembrane proteases that remodel the apical extracellular matrix to promote wing morphogenesis. In addition, Ubx induces expression of the Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases in the haltere, which prevents the basal extracellular matrix remodelling necessary for wing morphogenesis. Our results provide a long-awaited explanation for how Ubx controls morphogenetic transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Loker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Richard S Mann
- Department of Neuroscience, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Barry J Thompson
- Epithelial Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, St Pancras, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
- EMBL Australia, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pasnuri N, Khuntia P, Mazumder A. Single transcript imaging to assay gene expression in wholemount Drosophila melanogaster tissues. Mech Dev 2018; 153:10-16. [PMID: 30118816 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Single molecule Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (smFISH) for mRNA provides a powerful quantitative handle on expression from endogenous gene loci. While the method has been widely applied in cells in culture, applications to primary tissue samples remain fewer, and often use involved cryosectioning. Even apart from quantitative access to absolute transcript counts in specific tissue volumes, many other advantages of smFISH can be envisaged in tissue samples. Primary among these are the ability to report on subtle differences in expression among different cell types within a tissue, and the ability to correlate the expression from different target genes. Here, we present a modified method of smFISH applicable on various primary wholemount tissues from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and show the efficacy of the method in a variety of larval and adult tissue, and embryos. We also combine smFISH in tissue with immunofluorescence to demonstrate the possibility of capturing transcriptional and translational aspects of gene expression in the same tissue. Given the widespread use of Drosophila melanogaster as a model system in Developmental Biology and Genetics, such methods are likely to be of wide interest and could yield rich information about gene expression in tissues from this organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhita Pasnuri
- TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P, Gopanpally, Serlingampally Mandal, Hyderabad 500107, Telangana, India
| | - Purnati Khuntia
- TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P, Gopanpally, Serlingampally Mandal, Hyderabad 500107, Telangana, India
| | - Aprotim Mazumder
- TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, 36/P, Gopanpally, Serlingampally Mandal, Hyderabad 500107, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tomoyasu Y. Ultrabithorax and the evolution of insect forewing/hindwing differentiation. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 19:8-15. [PMID: 28521947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Decades have passed since the stunning four-winged phenotype of the Drosophila Ultrabithorax (Ubx) mutant was reported, and accumulating knowledge obtained from studies on Ubx in Drosophila has provided a framework to investigate the role of Ubx during insect wing evolution. With several new insights emerging from recent studies in non-Drosophila insects, along with the outcomes of genomic studies focused on identifying Ubx targets, it appears to be an appropriate time to revisit the Drosophila paradigm regarding insect wing development and evolution. Here, I review the recent findings related to Ubx during wing development, and discuss the impact of these findings on the current view of how Ubx came to regulate wing differentiation in the evolution of insect flight structures.
Collapse
|
8
|
Pflugfelder G, Eichinger F, Shen J. T-Box Genes in Drosophila Limb Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 122:313-354. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
9
|
Tsubota T, Tomita S, Uchino K, Kimoto M, Takiya S, Kajiwara H, Yamazaki T, Sezutsu H. A Hox Gene, Antennapedia, Regulates Expression of Multiple Major Silk Protein Genes in the Silkworm Bombyx mori. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7087-96. [PMID: 26814126 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.699819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hoxgenes play a pivotal role in the determination of anteroposterior axis specificity during bilaterian animal development. They do so by acting as a master control and regulating the expression of genes important for development. Recently, however, we showed that Hoxgenes can also function in terminally differentiated tissue of the lepidopteranBombyx mori In this species,Antennapedia(Antp) regulates expression of sericin-1, a major silk protein gene, in the silk gland. Here, we investigated whether Antpcan regulate expression of multiple genes in this tissue. By means of proteomic, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization analyses, we demonstrate that misexpression of Antpin the posterior silk gland induced ectopic expression of major silk protein genes such assericin-3,fhxh4, and fhxh5 These genes are normally expressed specifically in the middle silk gland as is Antp Therefore, the evidence strongly suggests that Antpactivates these silk protein genes in the middle silk gland. The putativesericin-1 activator complex (middle silk gland-intermolt-specific complex) can bind to the upstream regions of these genes, suggesting that Antpdirectly activates their expression. We also found that the pattern of gene expression was well conserved between B. moriand the wild species Bombyx mandarina, indicating that the gene regulation mechanism identified here is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism and not an artifact of the domestication of B. mori We suggest that Hoxgenes have a role as a master control in terminally differentiated tissues, possibly acting as a primary regulator for a range of physiological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Tsubota
- From the Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan,
| | - Shuichiro Tomita
- From the Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Keiro Uchino
- From the Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | | | - Shigeharu Takiya
- Graduate School of Life Science and Division of Biological Science and Center for Genome Dynamics, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, North 10, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan, and
| | - Hideyuki Kajiwara
- Biomolecular Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Yamazaki
- Biomolecular Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- From the Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Critical role for Fat/Hippo and IIS/Akt pathways downstream of Ultrabithorax during haltere specification in Drosophila. Mech Dev 2015; 138 Pt 2:198-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
11
|
Sánchez-Herrero E. Hox targets and cellular functions. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:738257. [PMID: 24490109 PMCID: PMC3892749 DOI: 10.1155/2013/738257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Hox genes are a group of genes that specify structures along the anteroposterior axis in bilaterians. Although in many cases they do so by modifying a homologous structure with a different (or no) Hox input, there are also examples of Hox genes constructing new organs with no homology in other regions of the body. Hox genes determine structures though the regulation of targets implementing cellular functions and by coordinating cell behavior. The genetic organization to construct or modify a certain organ involves both a genetic cascade through intermediate transcription factors and a direct regulation of targets carrying out cellular functions. In this review I discuss new data from genome-wide techniques, as well as previous genetic and developmental information, to describe some examples of Hox regulation of different cell functions. I also discuss the organization of genetic cascades leading to the development of new organs, mainly using Drosophila melanogaster as the model to analyze Hox function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Sánchez-Herrero
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Genome-level identification of targets of Hox protein Ultrabithorax in Drosophila: novel mechanisms for target selection. Sci Rep 2011; 1:205. [PMID: 22355720 PMCID: PMC3244697 DOI: 10.1038/srep00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox proteins are transcription factors and key regulators of segmental identity along the anterior posterior axis across all bilaterian animals. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms by which Hox proteins select and regulate their targets remain elusive. We have carried out whole-genome ChIP-chip experiments to identify direct targets of Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx) during haltere development in Drosophila. Direct targets identified include upstream regulators or cofactors of Ubx. Homothorax, a cofactor of Ubx during embryonic development, is one such target and is required for normal specification of haltere. Although Ubx bound sequences are conserved amongst various insect genomes, no consensus Ubx-specific motif was detected. Surprisingly, binding motifs for certain transcription factors that function either upstream or downstream to Ubx are enriched in these sequences suggesting complex regulatory loops governing Ubx function. Our data supports the hypothesis that specificity during Hox target selection is achieved by associating with other transcription factors.
Collapse
|
13
|
Choo SW, White R, Russell S. Genome-wide analysis of the binding of the Hox protein Ultrabithorax and the Hox cofactor Homothorax in Drosophila. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14778. [PMID: 21483667 PMCID: PMC3071696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode a family of transcription factors that are key developmental regulators with a highly conserved role in specifying segmental diversity along the metazoan body axis. Although they have been shown to regulate a wide variety of downstream processes, direct transcriptional targets have been difficult to identify and this has been a major obstacle to our understanding of Hox gene function. We report the identification of genome-wide binding sites for the Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx) using a YFP-tagged Drosophila protein-trap line together with chromatin immunoprecipitation and microarray analysis. We identify 1,147 genes bound by Ubx at high confidence in chromatin from the haltere imaginal disc, a prominent site of Ubx function where it specifies haltere versus wing development. The functional relevance of these genes is supported by their overlap with genes differentially expressed between wing and haltere imaginal discs. The Ubx-bound gene set is highly enriched in genes involved in developmental processes and contains both high-level regulators as well as genes involved in more basic cellular functions. Several signalling pathways are highly enriched in the Ubx target gene set and our analysis supports the view that Hox genes regulate many levels of developmental pathways and have targets distributed throughout the gene network. We also performed genome-wide analysis of the binding sites for the Hox cofactor Homothorax (Hth), revealing a striking similarity with the Ubx binding profile. We suggest that these binding profiles may be strongly influenced by chromatin accessibility and provide evidence of a link between Ubx/Hth binding and chromatin state at genes regulated by Polycomb silencing. Overall, we define a set of direct Ubx targets in the haltere imaginal disc and suggest that chromatin accessibility has important implications for Hox target selection and for transcription factor binding in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Woh Choo
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert White
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Steven Russell
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hox gene Ultrabithorax regulates distinct sets of target genes at successive stages of Drosophila haltere morphogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:2855-60. [PMID: 21282633 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1015077108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that regionalize the animal body axis by controlling complex developmental processes. Although they are known to operate in multiple cell types and at different stages, we are still missing the batteries of genes targeted by any one Hox gene over the course of a single developmental process to achieve a particular cell and organ morphology. The transformation of wings into halteres by the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) in Drosophila melanogaster presents an excellent model system to study the Hox control of transcriptional networks during successive stages of appendage morphogenesis and cell differentiation. We have used an inducible misexpression system to switch on Ubx in the wing epithelium at successive stages during metamorphosis--in the larva, prepupa, and pupa. We have then used extensive microarray expression profiling and quantitative RT-PCR to identify the primary transcriptional responses to Ubx. We find that Ubx targets range from regulatory genes like transcription factors and signaling components to terminal differentiation genes affecting a broad repertoire of cell behaviors and metabolic reactions. Ubx up- and down-regulates hundreds of downstream genes at each stage, mostly in a subtle manner. Strikingly, our analysis reveals that Ubx target genes are largely distinct at different stages of appendage morphogenesis, suggesting extensive interactions between Hox genes and hormone-controlled regulatory networks to orchestrate complex genetic programs during metamorphosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Interaction between Ataxin-2 Binding Protein 1 and Cubitus-interruptus during wing development in Drosophila. Dev Biol 2010; 341:389-99. [PMID: 20226779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal growth and development is dependent on reiterative use of key signaling pathways such as Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. It is widely believed that Cubitus-interruptus (Ci) mediates all functions of Hh pathway. Here we report that CG32062, the Drosophila homologue of Ataxin-2 Binding Protein 1 (dA2BP1), functions as a cofactor of Ci to specify intervein region between L3 and L4 veins of the adult wing. Specifically, Ci-mediated transactivation of knot/collier (kn) in this region of the developing wing imaginal disc is dependent on dA2BP1 function. Protein interaction studies and chromatin-immunoprecipiation experiments suggest that Ci helps dA2BP1 to bind kn promoter, which in turn may help Ci to activate kn expression. These results suggest a mechanism by which Ci may activate targets such as kn, which do not have classical Ci/Gli-binding sites.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kannan R, Berger C, Myneni S, Technau GM, Shashidhara LS. Abdominal-A mediated repression of Cyclin E expression during cell-fate specification in the Drosophila central nervous system. Mech Dev 2009; 127:137-45. [PMID: 19799999 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Homeotic/Hox genes are known to specify a given developmental pathway by regulating the expression of downstream effector genes. During embryonic CNS development of Drosophila, the Hox protein Abdominal-A (AbdA) is required for the specification of the abdominal NB6-4 lineage. It does so by down regulating the expression of the cell cycle regulator gene Dcyclin E (CycE). CycE is normally expressed in the thoracic NB6-4 lineage to give rise to mixed lineage of neurons and glia, while only glial cells are produced from the abdominal NB6-4 lineage due to the repression of CycE by AbdA. Here we investigate how AbdA represses the expression of CycE to define the abdominal fate of a single NB6-4 precursor cell. We analyze, both in vitro and in vivo, the regulation of a 1.9 kb CNS-specific CycE enhancer element in the abdominal NB6-4 lineage. We show that CycE is a direct target of AbdA and it binds to the CNS specific enhancer of CycE to specifically repress the enhancer activity in vivo. Our results suggest preferential involvement of a series of multiple AbdA binding sites to selectively enhance the repression of CycE transcription. Furthermore, our data suggest a complex network to regulate CycE expression where AbdA functions as a key regulator.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hufnagel L, Teleman AA, Rouault H, Cohen SM, Shraiman BI. On the mechanism of wing size determination in fly development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:3835-40. [PMID: 17360439 PMCID: PMC1820670 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0607134104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental and unresolved problem in animal development is the question of how a growing tissue knows when it has achieved its correct final size. A widely held view suggests that this process is controlled by morphogen gradients, which adapt to tissue size and become flatter as tissue grows, leading eventually to growth arrest. Here, we present evidence that the decapentaplegic (Dpp) morphogen distribution in the developing Drosophila wing imaginal disk does not adapt to disk size. We measure the distribution of a functional Dpp-GFP transgene and the Dpp signal transduced by phospho-Mad and show that the characteristic length scale of the Dpp profile remains approximately constant during growth. This finding suggests an alternative scenario of size determination, where disk size is determined relative to the fixed morphogen distribution by a certain threshold level of morphogen required for growth. We propose that when disk boundary reaches the threshold the arrest of cell proliferation throughout the disk is induced by mechanical stress in the tissue. Mechanical stress is expected to arise from the nonuniformity of morphogen distribution that drives growth. This stress, through a negative feedback on growth, can compensate for the nonuniformity of morphogen, achieving uniform growth with the rate that vanishes when disk boundary reaches the threshold. The mechanism is demonstrated through computer simulations of a tissue growth model that identifies the key assumptions and testable predictions. This analysis provides an alternative hypothesis for the size determination process. Novel experimental approaches will be needed to test this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hufnagel
- *Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kohn Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
| | - Aurelio A. Teleman
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Hervé Rouault
- Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, Ecole Normale Superieure, 24 Rue Lhomond, Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Stephen M. Cohen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Boris I. Shraiman
- *Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kohn Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Makhijani K, Kalyani C, Srividya T, Shashidhara LS. Modulation of Decapentaplegic gradient during haltere specification in Drosophila. Dev Biol 2006; 302:243-55. [PMID: 17045257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Revised: 09/12/2006] [Accepted: 09/14/2006] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Suppression of wing fate and specification of haltere fate in Drosophila by Ultrabithorax is a classical example of Hox regulation of serial homology. However, the mechanism of Ultrabithorax function in specifying haltere size and shape is not well understood. Here we show that Decapentaplegic signaling, which controls wing growth and shape, is a target of Ultrabithorax function during haltere specification. The Decapentaplegic signaling is down-regulated in haltere discs due to a combination of reduced levels of the Dpp, its trapping at the A/P boundary by increased levels of its receptor Thick-vein and its inability to diffuse in the absence of Dally. Results presented here suggest a complex mechanism adopted by Ultrabithorax to modulate Decapentaplegic signaling. We discuss how this complexity may regulate the final form of the adult haltere in the fly, without compromising features such as cell survival, which is also dependent on Decapentaplegic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Makhijani
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, India.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|