Non-redundant selector and growth-promoting functions of two sister genes, buttonhead and Sp1, in Drosophila leg development.

ABSTRACT: The radically distinct morphologies of arthropod and tetrapod legs argue that these appendages do not share a common evolutionary origin. Yet, despite dramatic differences in morphology, it has been known for some time that transcription factors encoded by the Distalless (Dll)/Dlx gene family play a critical role in the development of both structures. Here we show that a second transcription factor family encoded by the Sp8 gene family, previously implicated in vertebrate limb development, also plays an early and fundamental role in arthropod leg development. By simultaneously removing the function of two Sp8 orthologs, buttonhead (btd) and Sp1, during Drosophila embryogenesis, we find that adult leg development is completely abolished. Remarkably, in the absence of these factors, transfor

SUBMITTER: Estella C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2891808 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature