Two fundamental processes of the development of insect embryos are the generation and the morphological diversification of metameric units. In Drosophila, these processes are under the control of the products of the segmentation (generation) and the homeotic (morphological diversification) genes. Molecular studies of the activity of these genes has revealed spatial and temporal patterns of expression consistent with the requirements inferred from the mutant phenotypes but, in addition, these studies have revealed transient patterns which are difficult to reconcile with those phenotypes. It is possible that these patterns reflect ancestral regulatory elements which are still operational in more primitive insects. The validity of this interpretation can be tested by comparing the embryonic development of long germ band insects like Drosophila melanogaster with that of the more primitive short germ band insects like the locust Schistocerca gregaria and by obtaining and studying locust homologues of Drosophila segmentation and homeotic genes.
Development Journal Meeting 2022: From Stem Cells to Human Development
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Following a virtual meeting in 2020, we are delighted to announce that the fifth iteration of our popular Journal Meeting will be held from 11-14 September 2022 at the historic Wotton House, Surrey. Registration is open now.
Special Issue: The Immune System in Development and Regeneration
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Our latest special issue is now complete. It showcases articles that add to the repertoire of immune cell functions during development, repair and regeneration, and provide insights into the developmental pathways leading to the generation and dispersal of these cells.
Propose a new Workshop
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Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
Preprints in Development
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As part of our efforts to support the use of preprints and help curate the preprint literature, we are delighted to launch a new article type: ‘In preprints’. These pieces will discuss one or more recent preprints and place them in a broader context. You can read the first article here.
FocalPlane Network launched
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Like the Node Network, the aim of the FocalPlane Network is to facilitate promotion and networking as well as assist those seeking conference speakers, committee members, reviewers or collaborators. We hope that it will help promote diversity in the community. Find out more and join the Network here.
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