Gene expression analysis of potential morphogen signalling modifying factors in Panarthropoda

MMFs = morphogen modulating factors

Expression profiles reveal a high degree of diversity, suggesting that MMFs may represent highly evolvable nodes in otherwise conserved gene regulatory networks. Conserved aspects of MMF expression, however, appear to concern function in segmentation and limb development, two of the key topics of evolutionary developmental research.

Comparison of embryonic gene expression patterns reveals little conservation suggesting the possibility of MMFs representing key regulators in evolution

Common Design?

MMFs may indeed contribute significantly to modifying morphogen signalling pathways that are otherwise embedded in highly conserved genetic networks (the interaction of the morphogen(s) with its receptor(s) and the activation/repression of conserved downstream factors).

Further research is needed to identify the exact position of MMF expression within the segments, and functional analyses then have to be conducted to reveal the exact interaction of the MMFs with one or more given morphogens.

Where’s the evo in this evo-devo?

Gene expression analysis of potential morphogen signalling modifying factors in Panarthropoda

Expression profiles reveal a high degree of diversity, suggesting that MMFs may represent highly evolvable nodes in otherwise conserved gene regulatory networks. Conserved aspects of MMF expression, however, appear to concern function in segmentation and limb development, two of the key topics of evolutionary developmental research.

Regulation of morphogen function is complex and relies on the interaction of multiple factors, many of which, like the MMFs investigated here, have multiple functions, can interact with multiple different morphogens, and can have opposing effects based on genetic context and morphogen concentration.

our data clearly indicate involvement of MMFs in morphogen signalling, and that these factors partly play roles in limb development and body segmentation, two of the main research field of (pan)arthropod evolutionary developmental research (EvoDevo).