Functional analysis of novel head patterning genes

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Insects have evolved many different head morphologies as adaptation to different habitats and lifestyles, for instance in homed beetles, snout beetles and stalked eyed flies. The developmental basis of this diversity is not understood. As prerequisite to understand these mechanisms, we want to elucidate the principles of typical head formation in the embryo of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. We focus on an anterior median region (AMT) which harbors mouth and upper lip (labrum). Our preliminary data indicates that the AMT is patterned independently from surrounding tissues which could explain the diversity of the respective structures of the head cuticle. A comprehensive set of genes involved in AMT formation will be identified in the iBeetle-Screen. We will determine their expression and investigate their function. Moreover, we want to understand the genetic interactions of these genes in order to elucidate the AMT gene regulatory network. The analysis of cell division, migration and cell death will allow understanding the generation of the cuticle phenotypes. So far, the AMT is defined by expression patterns in embryos only while its borders in the larval or adult head are now known. By marking cells with fluorescent markers we will follow their destiny throughout development. We will test the genes involved in embryonic AMT patterning also for a function during metamorphosis and identify from the screen all genes required for AMT patterning during metamorphosis. The comparison will allow judging whether the gene sets are highly overlapping or rather distinct.