Coacting enhancers can have complementary functions within gene regulatory networks and promote canalization.

ABSTRACT: Developmental genes are often regulated by multiple enhancers exhibiting similar spatiotemporal outputs, which are generally considered redundantly acting though few have been studied functionally. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we created deletions of two enhancers, brk5' and brk3', that drive similar but not identical expression of the gene brinker (brk) in early Drosophila embryos. Utilizing both in situ hybridization and quantitative mRNA analysis, we investigated the changes in the gene network state caused by the removal of one or both of the early acting enhancers. brk5' deletion generally phenocopied the gene mutant, including expansion of the BMP ligand decapentaplegic (dpp) as well as inducing variability in amnioserosa tissue cell number suggesting a loss of canalization. In contrast, brk3'

SUBMITTER: Dunipace L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6932828 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature