Dual regulation by the Hunchback gradient in the Drosophila embryo.

ABSTRACT: The regulation of segmentation gene expression is investigated by computational modeling using quantitative expression data. Previous tissue culture assays and transgene analyses raised the possibility that Hunchback (Hb) might function as both an activator and repressor of transcription. At low concentrations, Hb activates gene expression, whereas at high concentrations it mediates repression. Under the same experimental conditions, transcription factors encoded by other gap genes appear to function as dedicated repressors. Models based on dual regulation suggest that the Hb gradient can be sufficient for establishing the initial Kruppel (Kr) expression pattern in central regions of the precellular embryo. The subsequent refinement of the Kr pattern depends on the combination of Hb and th

SUBMITTER: Papatsenko D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268557 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature