Interlocking of co-opted developmental gene networks in Drosophila and the evolution of pre-adaptive novelty.

ABSTRACT: The re-use of genes in new organs forms the base of many evolutionary novelties. A well-characterised case is the recruitment of the posterior spiracle gene network to the Drosophila male genitalia. Here we find that this network has also been co-opted to the testis mesoderm where is required for sperm liberation, providing an example of sequentially repeated developmental co-options. Associated to this co-option event, an evolutionary expression novelty appeared, the activation of the posterior segment determinant Engrailed to the anterior A8 segment controlled by common testis and spiracle regulatory elements. Enhancer deletion shows that A8 anterior Engrailed activation is not required for spiracle development but only necessary in the testis. Our study presents an example of pre-adapti

SUBMITTER: Molina-Gil S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10504328 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature