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First published online December 21, 2007

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Network theory unravels patterning

Pattern formation during development depends on combinatorial interactions between signalling pathways, but the strategies for pathway integration and coordination are still poorly understood. Now Yakoby and colleagues have developed a new model based on network theory to explain how the Drosophila eggshell is patterned (see p. 343). During Drosophila oogenesis, the EGFR and Dpp pathways specify the follicle cells that give rise to dorsal eggshell structures. Follicle cells that express the transcription factor Broad (Br), whose expression is regulated by both EGFR and Dpp signalling, form the roof of these structures. From their observations of signalling patterns during eggshell formation and from published data, the researchers propose that EGFR signalling determines the spatial pattern of Br by inducing the expression of both br and its transcriptional repressor Pointed (a feedforward loop). Later, a feedback loop activated by Br controls Dpp, which terminates Br expression. Future work will explore how other feedback loops interact with the simple regulatory network motifs described in this new model to generate complex gene expression patterns.

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Related articles in Development:

Drosophila eggshell is patterned by sequential action of feedforward and feedback loops

Nir Yakoby, Jessica Lembong, Trudi Schüpbach, and Stanislav Y. Shvartsman
Development 2008 135: 343-351. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Related articles in Development Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?