Developmental defects in brain segmentation caused by mutations of the homeobox genes orthodenticle and empty spiracles in Drosophila

We have studied the roles of the homeobox genes orthodenticle (otd) and empty spiracles (ems) in embryonic brain development of Drosophila. The embryonic brain is composed of three segmental neuromeres. The otd gene is expressed predominantly in the anterior neuromere; expression of ems is restricte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuron (Cambridge, Mass.) Mass.), 1995-10, Vol.15 (4), p.769-778
Main Authors: Hirth, Frank, Therianos, Stavros, Loop, Thomas, Gehring, Walter J., Reichert, Heinrich, Furukubo-Tokunaga, Katsuo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Brain - embryology
Brain - growth & development
Brain - metabolism
Drosophila - embryology
Drosophila - genetics
Drosophila Proteins
Gene Expression
Genes, Homeobox
Homeodomain Proteins - genetics
Homeodomain Proteins - physiology
Immunoenzyme Techniques
Mutation
Neurons - metabolism
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Summary:We have studied the roles of the homeobox genes orthodenticle (otd) and empty spiracles (ems) in embryonic brain development of Drosophila. The embryonic brain is composed of three segmental neuromeres. The otd gene is expressed predominantly in the anterior neuromere; expression of ems is restricted to the two posterior neuromeres. Mutation of otd eliminates the first (protocerebral) brain neuromere. Mutation of ems eliminates the second (deutocerebral) and third (tritocerebral) neuromeres. otd is also necessary for development of the dorsal protocerebrum of the adult brain. We conclude that these homeobox genes are required for the development of specific brain segments in Drosophila, and that the regionalized expression of their homologs in vertebrate brains suggests an evolutionarily conserved program for brain development.
ISSN:0896-6273
1097-4199
DOI:10.1016/0896-6273(95)90169-8