[Regulation of development of wing venation in Drosophila melanogaster by a network of signalling pathways]

Abstract

The paradigm of contemporary phenogenetics consists in that ontogenetic development of animals is regulated by a set of cell signalling pathways. The main signalling pathways controlling the wing development are Hedgehog, Notch, Wingless, Epidermal growth factor receptor, and Decapentaplegic. Expression of many genes in the imaginal disc is specific for both cells competent for transformation into veins and adjacent cells forming wing cells. Individual genetic programs control differentiation of each longitudinal vein and determination of its position on the wing. The gene net plays an important role in wing venation of D. melanogaster. Mutations causing some ectopic expressions of transcriptional factors and the activities of signalling cascades are, possibly, involved in phylogenetic transformation of the insect wing.