In the Drosophila eye, loss of Hh signalling blocks the initiation of photoreceptor morphogenesis, but how this comes about is poorly understood. Using loss- and gain-of-function genetics, Graeme Mardon and colleagues have now discovered that the principal role of Hh signalling in Drosophilaeye development is to alleviate the repression of two key genes that function in a retinal determination network – dpp and eya. Hh signalling does this, they propose on p. 3053, by blocking the cleavage of the active form of Cubitus interruptus, a Hh pathway component,into its repressive form, which represses dpp. Once dppexpression is established, it acts with another gene, ey, to initiate eya expression, in a vital step towards establishing the retinal determination network. Importantly, Hh acts here not as a classical morphogen but as a binary switch that initiates photoreceptor differentiation.
New Hh targets in the eye
New Hh targets in the eye. Development 1 July 2003; 130 (13): e1303. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Development Journal Meeting 2022: From Stem Cells to Human Development
-JournalMeeting.png?versionId=3773)
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
(update)-ImmuneSI.png?versionId=3773)
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. You can watch recordings from our Development presents... webinar celebrating the special issue here.
Propose a new Workshop
-GSWorkshop.png?versionId=3773)
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
(update)-InPreprints.png?versionId=3773)
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
-FocalPlaneNetworkLaunch.png?versionId=3773)
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.