Segment polarity genes are expressed and required in restricted domains within each metameric unit of the Drosophila embryo. We have used the expression of two segment polarity genes engrailed (en) and wingless (wg) to monitor the effects of segment polarity mutants on the basic metameric pattern. Absence of patched (ptc) or naked (nkd) functions triggers a novel sequence of en and wg patterns. In addition, although wg and en are not expressed on the same cells absence of either one has effects on the expression of the other. These observations, together with an analysis of mutant phenotypes during development, lead us to suggest that positional information is encoded in cell states defined and maintained by the activity of segment polarity gene products.
Role of segment polarity genes in the definition and maintenance of cell states in the Drosophila embryo
A. Martinez Arias, N.E. Baker, P.W. Ingham; Role of segment polarity genes in the definition and maintenance of cell states in the Drosophila embryo. Development 1 May 1988; 103 (1): 157–170. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.103.1.157
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Development presents...
Our successful webinar series continues in 2021, with early-career researchers presenting their papers and a chance to virtually network with the developmental biology community afterwards. Here, Krisztina Ötvös tells us about the role link between nitrogen, auxin and root cell divisions.
Save your spot at our next session:
14 April
Time: 17:00 BST
Chaired by: François Guillemot
Join our mailing list to receive news and updates on the series.
The people behind the papers - Vincent Mouilleau, Célia Vaslin and Stéphane Nedelec
First authors, Vincent Mouilleau and Célia Vaslin, and their supervisor Stéphane Nedelec, talk about their latest work on HOX regulation, its potential clinical impact and where the story will take the Nedelec lab.
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
Upcoming grant deadlines
Grants awarded by The Company of Biologists help scientists travel, attend events and host sustainable activities. Make a note of the upcoming application deadlines and find out more about the grants on offer:
Sustainable Conferencing Grants
17 May 2021
Travelling Fellowships
31 May 2021
Scientific Meeting Grants
4 June 2021