Summary
Differentiation of the Drosophila eye imaginal disc is an asynchronous, repetitive process which proceeds across the disc from posterior to anterior. Its propagation correlates with the expression of decapentaplegic at the front of differentiation, in the morphogenetic furrow. Both differentiation and decapentaplegic expression are maintained by Hedgehog protein secreted by the differentiated cells posterior to the furrow. However, their initiation at the posterior margin occurs prior to hedgehog expression by an unknown mechanism. We show here that the wingless gene contributes to the correct spatial localization of initiation. Initiation of the morphogenetic furrow is restricted to the posterior margin by the presence of wingless at the lateral margins; removal of wingless allows lateral initiation. Ectopic expression of wingless at the posterior margin can also inhibit normal initiation. In addition, the presence of wingless in the center of the disc can prevent furrow progression. These effects of wingless are achieved without altering the expression of decapentaplegic.
Article navigation
Related articles
Cited by...
More in this TOC section
Similar articles
Other journals from The Company of Biologists
The Node is looking for a new Community Manager!
If you're interested in science communication, publishing and the developmental biology community, we're hiring for a new Community Manager for our community site, the Node.
The position is an exciting opportunity to develop an already successful and well-known site, engaging with the academic, publishing and online communities. Find out more and how to apply.
Upcoming special issue: call for papers
The Immune System in Development and Regeneration
Guest editors: Florent Ginhoux and Paul Martin
Submission deadline: 1 September 2021
Publication: Spring 2022
The special issue welcomes Review articles as well as Research articles, and will be widely promoted online and at key global conferences.
The people behind the papers - Clément Dubois, Shivam Gupta, Andrew Mugler and Marie-Anne Félix
A new paper investigates the robustness of neuroblast migration in the C. elegans larva in the face of both genetic and environmental variation. In an interview, the paper's four authors tell us more about the story.
Development presents...
Our successful webinar series continues into 2021, with early-career researchers presenting their papers and a chance to virtually network with the developmental biology community afterwards. Every talk is recorded and since launching in August last year, the series has clocked up almost 10k views on YouTube.
Here, Swann Floc'hlay discusses her work modelling dorsal-ventral axis specification in the sea urchin embryo.
Save your spot at our next session:
14 April
Time: 17:00 BST
Chaired by: François Guillemot
12 May
Time: TBC
Chaired by: Paola Arlotta
Join our mailing list to receive news and updates on the series.