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Segmentation and specification of the Drosophila mesoderm
N Azpiazu1, P A Lawrence, J P Vincent
1Brookdale Center for Molecular Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Genes & Development
|December 15, 1996
Summary
Mesoderm segmentation relies on pair-rule genes like even-skipped (eve). Hedgehog (hh) and wingless (wg) signaling pathways within the mesoderm control gene activation for anterior and posterior patterning, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular genetics
- Embryogenesis
Background:
- Mesoderm patterning establishes distinct tissue primordia.
- Gene regulation dictates anteroposterior and dorsoventral positioning of these primordia.
- Parasegmental subdivision is crucial for precise tissue development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate mechanisms locating and determining mesodermal primordia.
- Elucidate the roles of bagpipe (bap) and serpent (srp) gene regulation.
- Determine the function of pair-rule genes in mesoderm segmentation.
Main Methods:
- Genetic mosaic analysis to assess gene autonomy.
- Examination of gene expression patterns (bap, srp, even-skipped).
- Analysis of hedgehog (hh) and wingless (wg) signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Even-skipped (eve) acts autonomously within the mesoderm.
- Hedgehog (hh) and wingless (wg) mediate pair-rule gene functions.
- hh promotes anterior bap and srp activation; wg suppresses posterior expression.
Conclusions:
- Mesoderm segmentation involves subdivision dependent on pair-rule genes.
- Hedgehog and wingless signaling pathways play opposing roles in mesoderm patterning.
- Gene interactions establish anterior and posterior mesodermal identities.