Pattern stability in the insect segment : II. The intersegmental region

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Insect Anatomy

Background:

• Dysdercus features distinct intersegmental regions (ISR) separating abdominal segments.
• The ISR comprises a visible border and adjacent cell strips (w-ISR and r-ISR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cellular basis of segment isolation in Dysdercus.
• To understand the role of the intersegmental region (ISR) in maintaining segment boundaries and tissue interactions.

Main Methods:

• Transplantation of ISR grafts to different positions within abdominal segments.
• Observation of graft and host tissue interactions, including color mutants and different sexes.

Main Results:

• Cells of the white ISR (w-ISR) and red ISR (r-ISR) exhibit differential adhesiveness towards adjacent tissues.
• w-ISR cells adhere to r-ISR and white segment (wS) tissues, but are rejected by red segment (rS) tissues.
• r-ISR cells adhere to w-ISR and rS tissues, but are rejected by wS tissues.

Conclusions:

• Differential cell adhesiveness in the ISR explains the formation of straight segment boundaries.
• The ISR's adhesive properties contribute to its barrier function, preventing cellular interactions between adjacent segments.
• The ISR influences segment polarity and pigment synthesis, and its healing capacity is linked to these adhesive properties.