MicroRNA-dependent regulation of Hox gene expression sculpts fine-grain morphological patterns in a Drosophila appendage

Development
Richard KaschulaClaudio R Alonso

Abstract

Disruptions of normal Hox gene expression can lead to severe morphological defects, revealing a link between the regulation of Hox expression and pattern formation. Here, we explore these links, focusing on the impact of microRNA regulation on the expression of the Drosophila Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) during haltere development. Through a combination of bioinformatic and transcriptomic analyses, we identify the miR-310/313 cluster (miR-310C) as a candidate regulator of Ubx Several experiments confirm this. First, miR-310C and Ubx protein show complementary expression patterns in haltere imaginal discs; second, artificial activation of miR-310C expression in haltere discs leads to Ubx-like phenotypes. Third, expression of a fluorescent reporter bearing Ubx 3'UTR sequences is reduced when co-expressed with miR-310C Fourth, deletion of miR-310C leads to Ubx upregulation and changes the array of mechanosensory sensilla at the base of the haltere. Fifth, an artificial increase of Ubx levels within the miR-310C expression domain phenocopies the mechanosensory defects observed in miR-310C mutants. We propose that miR-310C-mediated repression delimits Ubx fine-grain expression, contributing to the sculpting of complex morphologies i...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 28, 2019·Genes·Sebastian Kittelmann, Alistair P McGregor
Jun 14, 2021·Environment International·Oladele A OluwayioseJ Richard Pilsner

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
genetic modifications
PCR
Scanning electron microscopy
scanning
light microscopy
dissection

Software Mentioned

Plot Profile
R Statistical Computing
R
PITA
GALAXY
ClustalW
Fiji
Cufflinks
Bowtie
Excel

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