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Rossi M, Hausmann AE, Alcami P, Moest M, Roussou R, Van Belleghem SM, Wright DS, Kuo CY, Lozano-Urrego D, Maulana A, Melo-Flórez L, Rueda-Muñoz G, McMahon S, Linares M, Osman C, McMillan WO, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Adaptive introgression of a visual preference gene. Science 2024; 383:1368-1373. [PMID: 38513020 PMCID: PMC7616200 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Visual preferences are important drivers of mate choice and sexual selection, but little is known of how they evolve at the genetic level. In this study, we took advantage of the diversity of bright warning patterns displayed by Heliconius butterflies, which are also used during mate choice. Combining behavioral, population genomic, and expression analyses, we show that two Heliconius species have evolved the same preferences for red patterns by exchanging genetic material through hybridization. Neural expression of regucalcin1 correlates with visual preference across populations, and disruption of regucalcin1 with CRISPR-Cas9 impairs courtship toward conspecific females, providing a direct link between gene and behavior. Our results support a role for hybridization during behavioral evolution and show how visually guided behaviors contributing to adaptation and speciation are encoded within the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | | | - Pepe Alcami
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Moest
- Department of Ecology and Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee; University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rodaria Roussou
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Gamboa, Panama
| | - Daniela Lozano-Urrego
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Arif Maulana
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Melo-Flórez
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Geraldine Rueda-Muñoz
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Saoirse McMahon
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Christof Osman
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Camilo Salazar
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario; Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University; Munich, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Gamboa, Panama
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2
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Tendolkar A, Mazo-Vargas A, Livraghi L, Hanly JJ, Van Horne KC, Gilbert LE, Martin A. Cis-regulatory modes of Ultrabithorax inactivation in butterfly forewings. eLife 2024; 12:RP90846. [PMID: 38261357 PMCID: PMC10945631 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hox gene clusters encode transcription factors that drive regional specialization during animal development: for example the Hox factor Ubx is expressed in the insect metathoracic (T3) wing appendages and differentiates them from T2 mesothoracic identities. Hox transcriptional regulation requires silencing activities that prevent spurious activation and regulatory crosstalks in the wrong tissues, but this has seldom been studied in insects other than Drosophila, which shows a derived Hox dislocation into two genomic clusters that disjoined Antennapedia (Antp) and Ultrabithorax (Ubx). Here, we investigated how Ubx is restricted to the hindwing in butterflies, amidst a contiguous Hox cluster. By analysing Hi-C and ATAC-seq data in the butterfly Junonia coenia, we show that a Topologically Associated Domain (TAD) maintains a hindwing-enriched profile of chromatin opening around Ubx. This TAD is bordered by a Boundary Element (BE) that separates it from a region of joined wing activity around the Antp locus. CRISPR mutational perturbation of this BE releases ectopic Ubx expression in forewings, inducing homeotic clones with hindwing identities. Further mutational interrogation of two non-coding RNA encoding regions and one putative cis-regulatory module within the Ubx TAD cause rare homeotic transformations in both directions, indicating the presence of both activating and repressing chromatin features. We also describe a series of spontaneous forewing homeotic phenotypes obtained in Heliconius butterflies, and discuss their possible mutational basis. By leveraging the extensive wing specialization found in butterflies, our initial exploration of Ubx regulation demonstrates the existence of silencing and insulating sequences that prevent its spurious expression in forewings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta Tendolkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
| | - Anyi Mazo-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
| | - Luca Livraghi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
| | - Joseph J Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | - Kelsey C Van Horne
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
| | - Lawrence E Gilbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas – AustinAustinUnited States
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCUnited States
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3
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Hanly JJ, Loh LS, Mazo-Vargas A, Rivera-Miranda TS, Livraghi L, Tendolkar A, Day CR, Liutikaite N, Earls EA, Corning OBWH, D'Souza N, Hermina-Perez JJ, Mehta C, Ainsworth JA, Rossi M, Papa R, McMillan WO, Perry MW, Martin A. Frizzled2 receives WntA signaling during butterfly wing pattern formation. Development 2023; 150:dev201868. [PMID: 37602496 PMCID: PMC10560568 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Butterfly color patterns provide visible and biodiverse phenotypic readouts of the patterning processes. Although the secreted ligand WntA has been shown to instruct the color pattern formation in butterflies, its mode of reception remains elusive. Butterfly genomes encode four homologs of the Frizzled-family of Wnt receptors. Here, we show that CRISPR mosaic knockouts of frizzled2 (fz2) phenocopy the color pattern effects of WntA loss of function in multiple nymphalids. Whereas WntA mosaic clones result in intermediate patterns of reduced size, fz2 clones are cell-autonomous, consistent with a morphogen function. Shifts in expression of WntA and fz2 in WntA crispant pupae show that they are under positive and negative feedback, respectively. Fz1 is required for Wnt-independent planar cell polarity in the wing epithelium. Fz3 and Fz4 show phenotypes consistent with Wnt competitive-antagonist functions in vein formation (Fz3 and Fz4), wing margin specification (Fz3), and color patterning in the Discalis and Marginal Band Systems (Fz4). Overall, these data show that the WntA/Frizzled2 morphogen-receptor pair forms a signaling axis that instructs butterfly color patterning and shed light on the functional diversity of insect Frizzled receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Ling S. Loh
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Anyi Mazo-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | | | - Luca Livraghi
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Amruta Tendolkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Christopher R. Day
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Neringa Liutikaite
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Emily A. Earls
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Olaf B. W. H. Corning
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Natalie D'Souza
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - José J. Hermina-Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Caroline Mehta
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Julia A. Ainsworth
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Rossi
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan 00931, Puerto Rico
- Molecular Sciences and Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00931, Puerto Rico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma 43121, Italy
| | - W. Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Michael W. Perry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
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4
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Functional genomic tools for emerging model species. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:1104-1115. [PMID: 35914975 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Most studies in the field of ecology and evolution aiming to connect genotype to phenotype rarely validate identified loci using functional tools. Recent developments in RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas genome editing have dramatically increased the feasibility of functional validation. However, these methods come with specific challenges when applied to emerging model organisms, including limited spatial control of gene silencing, low knock-in efficiencies, and low throughput of functional validation. Moreover, many functional studies to date do not recapitulate ecologically relevant variation, and this limits their scope for deeper insights into evolutionary processes. We therefore argue that increased use of gene editing by allelic replacement through homology-directed repair (HDR) would greatly benefit the field of ecology and evolution.
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5
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Thulluru A, Saad L, Nagah Abdou Y, Martin A, Kee HL. CRISPR in butterflies: An undergraduate lab experience to inactivate wing patterning genes during development. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 50:605-619. [PMID: 36054482 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR is a technique increasingly used in the laboratory for both fundamental and applied research. We designed and implemented a lab experience for undergraduates to carry out CRISPR technology in the lab, and knockout the wing patterning genes optix and WntA in Vanessa cardui butterflies. Students obtained spectacular phenotypic mutants of butterfly wings color and patterns, awakening curiosity about how genomes encode morphology. In addition, students successfully used molecular techniques to genotype and screen wild-type caterpillar larvae and butterflies for CRISPR edits in genes. Student feedback suggests that they experienced a meaningful process of scientific inquiry by carrying out the whole CRISPR workflow process, from the design and delivery of CRISPR components through microinjection of butterfly eggs, the rearing of live animals through their complete life cycle, and molecular and phenotypic analyses of the resulting mutants. We discuss our experience using CRISP genome editing experiments in butterflies to expose students to hands-on research experiences probing gene-to-phenotype relationships in a charismatic and live organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamani Thulluru
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, USA
| | - Luisa Saad
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, USA
| | | | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Hooi Lynn Kee
- Department of Biology, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, USA
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6
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Tanouchi M, Igawa T, Suzuki N, Suzuki M, Hossain N, Ochi H, Ogino H. Optimization of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene disruption in Xenopus laevis using a phenotypic image analysis technique. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:219-225. [PMID: 35338712 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 method has become popular for gene disruption experiments in Xenopus laevis. However, the experimental conditions that influence the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 remain unclear. To that end, we developed an image analysis technique for the semi-quantitative evaluation of the pigment phenotype resulting from the disruption of tyrosinase genes in X. laevis using a CRISPR/Cas9 approach, and then examined the effects of varying five experimental parameters (timing of the CRISPR reagent injection into developing embryos; amount of Cas9 mRNA in the injection reagent; total injection volume per embryo; number of injection sites per embryo; and the culture temperature of the injected embryos) on the gene disruption efficiency. The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the highest possible efficiency of target gene disruption can be achieved by injecting a total of 20 nL of the CRISPR reagent containing 1500 pg of Cas9 mRNA or 4 ng of Cas9 protein into two separate locations (10 nL each) of one-cell stage embryos cultured at 22°C. This study also highlights the importance of balancing the experimental parameters for increasing gene disruption efficiency and provides valuable insights into the optimal conditions for applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system to new experimental organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Tanouchi
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Igawa
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nanoka Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Makoto Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nusrat Hossain
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruki Ochi
- Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hajime Ogino
- Amphibian Research Center/Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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7
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Juríková K, Sepšiová R, Ševčovičová A, Tomáška Ľ, Džugasová V. Implementing CRISPR-Cas9 Yeast Practicals into Biology Curricula. CRISPR J 2022; 5:181-186. [PMID: 35333620 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome-editing technique that has been widely adopted thanks to its simplicity, efficiency, and broad application potential. Due to its advantages and pervasive use, there have been attempts to include this method in the existing curricula for students majoring in various disciplines of biology. In this perspective, we summarize the existing CRISPR-Cas courses that harness a well-established model organism: baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As an example, we present a detailed description of a fully hands-on, flexible, robust, and cost-efficient practical CRISPR-Cas9 course, where students participate in yeast genome editing at every stage-from the bioinformatic design of single-guide RNA, through molecular cloning and yeast transformation, to the final confirmation of the introduced mutation. Finally, we emphasize that in addition to providing experimental skills and theoretical knowledge, the practical courses on CRISPR-Cas represent ideal platforms for discussing the ethical implications of the democratization of biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Juríková
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia; Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- CIBIO-Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Regina Sepšiová
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia; Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Ševčovičová
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia; Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Ľubomír Tomáška
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia; Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Vladimíra Džugasová
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia; Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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8
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Zhang L, Steward RA, Wheat CW, Reed RD. High-Quality Genome Assembly and Comprehensive Transcriptome of the Painted Lady Butterfly Vanessa cardui. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evab145. [PMID: 34282459 PMCID: PMC8290113 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The painted lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui, has the longest migration routes, the widest hostplant diversity, and one of the most complex wing patterns of any insect. Due to minimal culturing requirements, easily characterized wing pattern elements, and technical feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, V. cardui is emerging as a functional genomics model for diverse research programs. Here, we report a high-quality, annotated genome assembly of the V. cardui genome, generated using 84× coverage of PacBio long-read data, which we assembled into 205 contigs with a total length of 425.4 Mb (N50 = 10.3 Mb). The genome was very complete (single-copy complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs [BUSCO] 97%), with contigs assembled into presumptive chromosomes using synteny analyses. Our annotation used embryonic, larval, and pupal transcriptomes, and 20 transcriptomes across five different wing developmental stages. Gene annotations showed a high level of accuracy and completeness, with 14,437 predicted protein-coding genes. This annotated genome assembly constitutes an important resource for diverse functional genomic studies ranging from the developmental genetic basis of butterfly color pattern, to coevolution with diverse hostplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- College of Earth Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Robert D Reed
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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9
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Hanly JJ, Robertson ECN, Corning OBWH, Martin A. Porcupine/Wntless-dependent trafficking of the conserved WntA ligand in butterflies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2021; 336:470-481. [PMID: 34010515 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wnt ligands are key signaling molecules in animals, but little is known about the evolutionary dynamics and mode of action of the WntA orthologs, which are not present in the vertebrates or in Drosophila. Here we show that the WntA subfamily evolved at the base of the Bilateria + Cnidaria clade, and conserved the thumb region and Ser209 acylation site present in most other Wnts, suggesting WntA requires the core Wnt secretory pathway. WntA proteins are distinguishable from other Wnts by a synapomorphic Iso/Val/Ala216 amino-acid residue that replaces the otherwise ubiquitous Thr216 position. WntA embryonic expression is conserved between beetles and butterflies, suggesting functionality, but the WntA gene was lost three times within arthropods, in podoplean copepods, in the cyclorrhaphan fly radiation, and in ensiferan crickets and katydids. Finally, CRISPR mosaic knockouts (KOs) of porcupine and wntless phenocopied the pattern-specific effects of WntA KOs in the wings of Vanessa cardui butterflies. These results highlight the molecular conservation of the WntA protein across invertebrates, and imply it functions as a typical Wnt ligand that is acylated and secreted through the Porcupine/Wntless secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erica C N Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Olaf B W H Corning
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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10
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Tendolkar A, Pomerantz AF, Heryanto C, Shirk PD, Patel NH, Martin A. Ultrabithorax Is a Micromanager of Hindwing Identity in Butterflies and Moths. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.643661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The forewings and hindwings of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are differentiated from each other, with segment-specific morphologies and color patterns that mediate a wide range of functions in flight, signaling, and protection. The Hox geneUltrabithorax(Ubx) is a master selector gene that differentiates metathoracic from mesothoracic identities across winged insects, and previous work has shown this role extends to at least some of the color patterns from the butterfly hindwing. Here we used CRISPR targeted mutagenesis to generateUbxloss-of-function somatic mutations in two nymphalid butterflies (Junonia coenia,Vanessa cardui) and a pyralid moth (Plodia interpunctella). The resulting mosaic clones yielded hindwing-to-forewing transformations, showingUbxis necessary for specifying many aspects of hindwing-specific identities, including scale morphologies, color patterns, and wing venation and structure. These homeotic phenotypes showed cell-autonomous, sharp transitions between mutant and non-mutant scales, except for clones that encroached into the border ocelli (eyespots) and resulted in composite and non-autonomous effects on eyespot ring determination. In the pyralid moth, homeotic clones converted the folding and depigmented hindwing into rigid and pigmented composites, affected the wing-coupling frenulum, and induced ectopic scent-scales in male androconia. These data confirmUbxis a master selector of lepidopteran hindwing identity and suggest it acts on many gene regulatory networks involved in wing development and patterning.
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