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The master control gene for morphogenesis and evolution of the eye
1Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Genes to Cells : Devoted to Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The Pax-6 gene acts as a master control gene for eye development across species. Its expression can induce eye formation in various locations on a fly, suggesting a common evolutionary origin for eyes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Aniridia (human), Small eye (murine), and eyeless (Drosophila) mutations impact homologous Pax-6 genes.
- Pax-6 genes possess both paired- and homeobox domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Pax-6 as a master control gene in eye morphogenesis.
- To explore the evolutionary implications of Pax-6 conservation across species.
Main Methods:
- Ectopic expression of Pax-6 genes in Drosophila.
- Comparative analysis of Pax-6 gene homologs from flatworms to humans.
Main Results:
- Ectopic expression of Pax-6 induced functional eyes on Drosophila legs, wings, and antennae.
- Pax-6 gene homologs are conserved from flatworms to humans.
Conclusions:
- Pax-6 is a universal master control gene for eye morphogenesis.
- Diverse animal eyes may have evolved from a single prototype, as suggested by Pax-6 conservation.