Functional analysis of novel head patterning genes

昆虫已经进化出许多不同的头部形态，以适应不同的栖息地和生活方式，例如家甲虫、鼻甲虫和柄眼苍蝇。这种多样性的发展基础尚不清楚。作为理解这些机制的前提，我们想要阐明红粉甲虫（Tribolium castaneum）胚胎中典型头形成的原理。我们的重点是前正中区（AMT）的港湾嘴和上唇（唇）。我们的初步数据表明，AMT的模式独立于周围组织，这可以解释头部角质层各自结构的多样性。参与AMT形成的一整套基因将在iBeetle-Screen中被鉴定出来。我们将确定它们的表达并研究它们的功能。此外，我们希望了解这些基因的遗传相互作用，以阐明AMT基因调控网络。细胞分裂、迁移和细胞死亡的分析将有助于理解角质层表型的产生。到目前为止，AMT仅通过胚胎中的表达模式来定义，而其在幼虫或成虫头部的边界现在已经已知。通过用荧光标记标记细胞，我们将在整个发育过程中跟踪它们的命运。我们将测试与胚胎AMT模式相关的基因在变态过程中的功能，并从筛选中确定变态过程中AMT模式所需的所有基因。这种比较将有助于判断这两组基因是高度重叠还是截然不同。

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.