Molecular and genetic analysis of the Drosophila segmentation gene odd-paired a target of homeotic gene regulation in the embryonic midgut

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Title Molecular and genetic analysis of the Drosophila segmentation gene odd-paired a target of homeotic gene regulation in the embryonic midgut
Publication Type dissertation
School or College School of Medicine
Department Human Genetics
Author Cimbora, Daniel M.
Date 1996-06
Description During the process of animal development, initially uniform fields of cells acquire distinct identities. One manifestation of this process is the generation of unique morphology within a metameric series, such as the segments of the Drosophila larva or the vertebrae of the mammalian skeleton. The Drosophila homeotic genes, and the homologous murine Hox genes, control morphologic diversification of the segmental pattern. These genes encode transcription factors that direct groups of cells down specific developmental pathways, by controlling the expression of so-called 'downstream' genes. To understand homeotic/Hox gene function, we must therefore identify these downstream genes and analyze their roles in mediating homeotic control of development. Unfortunately, few targets of the Drosophila homeotic genes, and even fewer of the murine Hox genes, have been identified. The work described here begins with a screen for novel targets of homeotic gene regulation. As a result of this screen, the Drosophila segmentation gene odd-paired was cloned and identified as a target of homeotic gene regulation. Genetic analysis demonstrates that odd-paired, like the homeotic genes that regulate its expression, is required for morphogenesis of specific constrictions in the embryonic midgut late in development. Temporal analysis of odd-paired function supports the hypothesis that odd-paired functions downstream of homeotic genes in the genetic hierarchy controlling midgut constriction formation. Phenotypic analysis also demonstrates that odd-paired is required in the early embryo, prior to homeotic gene expression, for segmental subdivision of the ectoderm and for formation of the mesodermal component of the midgut. Thus, odd-paired functions upstream of the homeotics to control ectodermal and mesodermal development, in addition to its proposed function downstream of the homeotics in controlling midgut constriction formation. Spatial analysis of odd-paired function in the early embryo suggests that inductive interactions between the ectoderm and mesoderm play a role in mesodermal development.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Genetics; Genes, Homeobox
Subject MESH Drosophila melanogaster; Gene Expression Regulation
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name PhD
Language eng
Relation is Version of Digital reproduction of "Molecular and genetic analysis of the Drosophila segmentation gene odd-paired a target of homeotic gene regulation in the embryonic midgut". Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Print version of "Molecular and genetic analysis of the Drosophila segmentation gene odd-paired a target of homeotic gene regulation in the embryonic midgut". available at J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collection. QL3.5 1996 .C54.
Rights Management © Daniel M. Cimbora.
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 3,635,418 bytes
Identifier undthes,4528
Source Original: University of Utah Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (no longer available).
Funding/Fellowship Howard Hughes Medical Institute, A NIH Genetics predoctoral fellowship to the University of Utah, and a research award from the March of Dimes.
Master File Extent 3,635,470 bytes
ARK ark:/87278/s6st7rk9
Setname ir_etd
ID 190561
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6st7rk9
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