Sequence and embryonic expression of the amphioxus engrailed gene (AmphiEn): the metameric pattern of transcription resembles that of its segment-polarity homolog in Drosophila

Development ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 124 (9) ◽  
pp. 1723-1732 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.Z. Holland ◽  
M. Kene ◽  
N.A. Williams ◽  
N.D. Holland
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Animal Evolution ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Dorsal Nerve ◽  
Embryonic Ectoderm ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Segmental Expression ◽  
Cerebral Vesicle

Vertebrate segmentation has been proposed as an evolutionary inheritance either from some metameric protostome or from a more closely related deuterostome. To address this question, we studied the developmental expression of AmphiEn, the engrailed gene of amphioxus, the closest living invertebrate relative of the vertebrates. In neurula embryos of amphioxus, AmphiEn is expressed along the anteroposterior axis as metameric stripes, each located in the posterior part of a nascent or newly formed segment. This pattern resembles the expression stripes of the segment-polarity gene engrailed, which has a key role in establishing and maintaining the metameres in embryos of Drosophila and other metameric protostomes. Later, amphioxus embryos express AmphiEn in non-metameric patterns - transiently in the embryonic ectoderm and dorsal nerve cord. Nerve cord expression occurs in a few cells approximately midway along the rostrocaudal axis and also in a conspicuous group of anterior cells in the cerebral vesicle at a level previously identified as corresponding to the vertebrate diencephalon. Compared to vertebrate engrailed expression at the midbrain/hindbrain boundary, AmphiEn expression in the cerebral vesicle is relatively late. Thus, it is uncertain whether the cerebral vesicle expression marks the rostral end of the amphioxus hindbrain; if it does, then amphioxus may have little or no homolog of the vertebrate midbrain. The segmental expression of AmphiEn in forming somites suggests that the functions of engrailed homologs in establishing and maintaining a metameric body plan may have arisen only once during animal evolution. If so, the protostomes and deuterostomes probably shared a common segmented ancestor.

Molecular cloning of fused, a gene required for normal segmentation in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3244-3251
Author(s):  
M C Mariol ◽  
T Preat ◽  
B Limbourg-Bouchon
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
D Region ◽  
Fused Gene ◽  
Phenotypic Rescue ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

Using the chromosomal walk technique, we isolated recombinant lambda bacteriophage and cosmid clones spanning 250 kilobases (kb) in the 17C-D region of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. This region was known to contain the segment polarity gene fused. Several lethal fused mutations were used to define more precisely the localization of this locus. Southern analysis of genomic DNA revealed that all of them were relatively large deficiencies, the smallest one being 40 kb long. None of the 12 viable fused mutations examined possessed detectable alterations. We isolated a cosmid containing an insertion covering the entire smallest fused deletion (40 kb). We injected this DNA into fused mutant embryos and obtained a partial phenotypic rescue of the embryonic pattern, indicating that this region contained all the sequences necessary for the embryonic expression of the fu+ gene. Within this DNA, a subclone of 14 kb codes for poly(A)+ RNAs of 3.5, 2.5, 1.6, and 1.3 kb detected in embryos from various developmental stages as well as in adults. All these transcripts showed the same developmental expression. This transcribed region was injected into fused mutant embryos, and once again we obtained a partial rescue of the embryonic phenotype, confirming that this region contained at least the fused gene.

scholarly journals Molecular cloning of fused, a gene required for normal segmentation in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo.

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3244-3251 ◽  
Author(s):  
M C Mariol ◽  
T Preat ◽  
B Limbourg-Bouchon
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
D Region ◽  
Fused Gene ◽  
Phenotypic Rescue ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

Using the chromosomal walk technique, we isolated recombinant lambda bacteriophage and cosmid clones spanning 250 kilobases (kb) in the 17C-D region of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. This region was known to contain the segment polarity gene fused. Several lethal fused mutations were used to define more precisely the localization of this locus. Southern analysis of genomic DNA revealed that all of them were relatively large deficiencies, the smallest one being 40 kb long. None of the 12 viable fused mutations examined possessed detectable alterations. We isolated a cosmid containing an insertion covering the entire smallest fused deletion (40 kb). We injected this DNA into fused mutant embryos and obtained a partial phenotypic rescue of the embryonic pattern, indicating that this region contained all the sequences necessary for the embryonic expression of the fu+ gene. Within this DNA, a subclone of 14 kb codes for poly(A)+ RNAs of 3.5, 2.5, 1.6, and 1.3 kb detected in embryos from various developmental stages as well as in adults. All these transcripts showed the same developmental expression. This transcribed region was injected into fused mutant embryos, and once again we obtained a partial rescue of the embryonic phenotype, confirming that this region contained at least the fused gene.

scholarly journals Interactions between fused, a segment-polarity gene in Drosophila, and other segmentation genes

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Limbourg-Bouchon ◽  
D. Busson ◽  
C. Lamour-Isnard
Keyword(s):  
Double Mutant ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
Germ Band ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Segmentation Genes ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

Fused (fu) is a segment polarity gene whose product is maternally required in the posterior part of each segment. To define further the role of fused and determine how it interacts with other segmentation genes, we examined the phenotypes obtained by combining fused with mutations of pair rule, homeotic and other segment polarity loci. When it was possible, we also looked at the distribution of corresponding proteins in fused mutant embryos. We observed that fused-naked (fu;nkd) double mutant embryos display a phenotypic suppression of simple mutant phenotypes: both naked cuticle and denticle belts, which would normally have been deleted by one of the two mutants alone, were restored. In fused mutant embryos, engrailed (en) and wingless (wg) expression was normal until germ band extension, but partially and completely disappeared respectively during germ band retraction. In the fu;nkd double mutant embryo, en was expressed as in nkd mutant at germ band extension, but later this expression was restricted and became normal at germ band retraction. On the contrary, wg expression disappeared as in fu simple mutant embryos. We conclude that the requirements for fused, naked and wingless activities for normal segmental patterning are not absolute, and propose mechanisms by which these genes interact to specify anterior and posterior cell fates.

Mutations affecting tail and notochord development in the ascidian Ciona savignyi

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (15) ◽  
pp. 3293-3301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Nakatani ◽  
R. Moody ◽  
W.C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Early Development ◽  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Induced Mutations ◽  
Ciona Savignyi ◽  
New Information ◽  
Nerve Tracts ◽  
Notochord Cells ◽  
Dorsal Nerve

Ascidians are among the most distant chordate relatives of the vertebrates. However, ascidians share many features with vertebrates including a notochord and hollow dorsal nerve cord. A screen for N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutations affecting early development in the ascidian Ciona savignyi resulted in the isolation of a number of mutants including the complementing notochord mutants chongmague and chobi. In chongmague embryos the notochord fails to develop, and the notochord cells instead adopt a mesenchyme-like fate. The failure of notochord development in chongmague embryos results in a severe truncation of tail, although development of the tail muscles and caudal nerve tracts appears largely normal. Chobi embryos also have a truncation of the tail stemming from a disruption of the notochord. However, in chobi embryos the early development of the notochord appears normal and defects occur later as the notochord attempts to extend and direct elongation of the tail. We find in chobi tailbud embryos that the notochord is often bent, with cells clumped together, rather than extended as a column. These results provide new information on the function and development of the ascidian notochord. In addition, the results demonstrate how the unique features of ascidians can be used in genetic analysis of morphogenesis.

Positional signaling by hedgehog in Drosophila imaginal disc development

Development ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.L. Felsenfeld ◽  
J.A. Kennison
Keyword(s):  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Imaginal Disc ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Posterior Compartment ◽  
Anterior Compartment ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Wing Structures ◽  
Wing Discs ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

We describe a dominant gain-of-function allele of the segment polarity gene hedgehog. This mutation causes ectopic expression of hedgehog mRNA in the anterior compartment of wing discs, leading to overgrowth of tissue in the anterior of the wing and partial duplication of distal wing structures. The posterior compartment of the wing is unaffected. Other imaginal derivatives are affected, resulting in duplications of legs and antennae and malformations of eyes. In mutant imaginal wing discs, expression of the decapentaplegic gene, which is implicated in the hedgehog signaling pathway, is also perturbed. The results suggest that hedgehog protein acts in the wing as a signal to instruct neighboring cells to adopt fates appropriate to the region of the wing just anterior to the compartmental boundary.

scholarly journals MUSCLE TENSION AND REFLEXES IN THE EARTHWORM

1923 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Cord ◽  
Ventral Nerve Cord ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
The Body ◽  
Entire Length ◽  
Sensory Cells ◽  
Ventral Region ◽  
Anterior Segments

1. By the use of preparations of earthworm in which the cutaneous receptors have been anesthetized with a solution of M/8 MgCl2, it is shown that peristalsis can be initiated by tension alone. 2. The receptors of the tension reflex are the intermyal sensory cells of the ventral region of the body wall. 3. It is concluded that Straub obtained the tension reflex because his preparations contained the intermyal receptors; Budington was unable to observe the tension reflex in any preparation from which the intermyal receptors had been removed. 4. Intermyal receptors are the receptors of the following reaction: Passive unilateral tension of the posterior part of an earthworm induces active homolateral tension of the musculature of the anterior segments, and results in the course of progress being brought into line with the enforced orientation of the tail. This reaction is termed the homostrophic reflex. 5. The receptors for the reaction are distributed throughout the entire length of the worm, the effectors are limited to the anterior 15 to 20 segments. The impulse is conducted by the ventral nerve cord. 6. The interaction of the homostrophic reflex and tropisms is considered.

rasp, a putative transmembrane acyltransferase, is required for Hedgehog signaling

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Micchelli ◽  
Inge The ◽  
Erica Selva ◽  
Vladic Mogila ◽  
Norbert Perrimon
Keyword(s):  
Hedgehog Signaling ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Lethal Mutations ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Invertebrate Development ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

Members of the Hedgehog (Hh) family encode secreted molecules that act as potent organizers during vertebrate and invertebrate development. Post-translational modification regulates both the range and efficacy of Hh protein. One such modification is the acylation of the N-terminal cysteine of Hh. In a screen for zygotic lethal mutations associated with maternal effects, we have identified rasp, a novel Drosophila segment polarity gene. Analysis of the rasp mutant phenotype, in both the embryo and wing imaginal disc demonstrates that rasp does not disrupt Wnt/Wingless signaling but is specifically required for Hh signaling. The requirement of rasp is restricted only to those cells that produce Hh; hh transcription, protein levels and distribution are not affected by the loss of rasp. Molecular analysis reveals that rasp encodes a multipass transmembrane protein that has homology to a family of membrane bound O-acyl transferases. Our results suggest that Rasp-dependent acylation is necessary to generate a fully active Hh protein.

Transcription of the segment-polarity gene wingless in the imaginal discs of Drosophila, and the phenotype of a pupal-lethal wg mutation

Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.E. Baker
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Imaginal Discs ◽  
Apical Cytoplasm ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Disc Cells ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Drosophila Embryos ◽  
Polarity Gene

Wingless (wg) is a segment-polarity gene in Drosophila which is related to the murine proto-oncogene int1. In Drosophila embryos, wg transcription defines part of each parasegment. In situ hybridization shows that wg is also expressed in the imaginal discs which give rise to the adult during metamorphosis. Transcripts are localized in the apical cytoplasm of disc cells, and accumulate in different patterns in dorsal and ventral discs. The wgCX3 mutation produces morphological defect in the adult structures derived from these imaginal discs. The results show that wg is involved in the development of the adult, as well as the embryo, but that the imaginal discs do not express this segment-polarity gene in an identical pattern to the embryonic segments.

The segment polarity gene armadillo interacts with the wingless signaling pathway in both embryonic and adult pattern formation

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 1029-1043 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Peifer ◽  
C. Rauskolb ◽  
M. Williams ◽  
B. Riggleman ◽  
E. Wieschaus
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Formation ◽  
Imaginal Discs ◽  
Protein Accumulation ◽  
Segment Polarity Genes ◽  
Adult Pattern ◽  
Segment Polarity ◽  
Lethal Allele ◽  
Segment Polarity Gene ◽  
Polarity Gene

The segment polarity genes of Drosophila were initially defined as genes required for pattern formation within each embryonic segment. Some of these genes also function to establish the pattern of the adult cuticle. We have examined the role of the armadillo (arm) gene in this latter process. We confirmed and extended earlier findings that arm and the segment polarity gene wingless are very similar in their effects on embryonic development. We next discuss the role of arm in pattern formation in the imaginal discs, as determined by using a pupal lethal allele, by analyzing clones of arm mutant tissue in imaginal discs, and by using a transposon carrying arm to produce adults with a reduced level of arm. Together, these experiments established that arm is required for the development of all imaginal discs. The requirement for arm varies along the dorsal-ventral and proximal-distal axes. Cells that require the highest levels of arm are those that express the wingless gene. Further, animals with reduced arm levels have phenotypes that resemble those of weak alleles of wingless. We present a description of the patterns of arm protein accumulation in imaginal discs. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for the role of arm and wingless in pattern formation.

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