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Functional analysis of enhancer elements regulating the expression of the Drosophila homeodomain transcription factor DRx by gene targeting

Summary

Scientists studied how a specific gene called DRx is controlled during fruit fly brain development. They identified the DNA regions called enhancers that turn on this gene at different times and in different parts of the developing brain. By removing these enhancers one at a time, they showed which brain structures depend on each enhancer, revealing that DRx plays important roles in multiple aspects of brain formation.

Background

The Drosophila brain serves as an ideal model system to study neural development and neuroblasts. The transcription factor Drosophila Retinal homeobox (DRx) is a member of the 57B homeobox gene cluster involved in brain development, though unlike vertebrate Rx genes, it has no function in eye development.

Objective

To conduct a detailed functional analysis of enhancer elements regulating DRx expression during Drosophila brain development from embryonic through adult stages and to map enhancers necessary for temporal and spatial expression patterns.

Results

DRx expression was detected in embryonic brain domains, larval DM and DL type II lineages, medulla, lobula complex, and adult central complex. Multiple enhancers were identified driving expression in specific brain structures at different developmental stages. Deletion of three prominent enhancers resulted in specific temporal and spatial loss of DRx expression in defined brain regions.

Conclusion

DRx is expressed in specific neuroblasts and neural lineages throughout Drosophila brain development. The identified enhancers demonstrate complex regulation of DRx expression and suggest DRx plays an important role in multiple aspects of brain development beyond mushroom body formation.
  • Published in:Hereditas,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMC8569992, 34736520
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