Optogenetic control of the Bicoid morphogen reveals fast and slow modes of gap gene regulation.

ABSTRACT: Developmental patterning networks are regulated by multiple inputs and feedback connections that rapidly reshape gene expression, limiting the information that can be gained solely from slow genetic perturbations. Here we show that fast optogenetic stimuli, real-time transcriptional reporters, and a simplified genetic background can be combined to reveal the kinetics of gene expression downstream of a developmental transcription factor in vivo. We engineer light-controlled versions of the Bicoid transcription factor and study their effects on downstream gap genes in embryos. Our results recapitulate known relationships, including rapid Bicoid-dependent transcription of giant and hunchback and delayed repression of Krüppel. In addition, we find that the posterior pattern of knirps exhibits

SUBMITTER: Singh AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9019726 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature