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Stasis and change in the regulation of a 'master gene' and the evolution of morphological novelty in the arthropods

Reference	BBS/B/0675X
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Maximilian Telford
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University College London
Department	Genetics Evolution and Environment
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	245,507
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	04/01/2005
End date	03/10/2008
Duration	45 months

Abstract

The gene Distal-less (Dll) is fundamental to the development of one of the most important features of arthropods: jointed appendages. Phylogenetic comparisons show that Dll involvement in leg formation within the arthropods dates to the Cambrian. The differing number and morphology of appendages is also a defining characteristic of the different arthropod classes. This project aims to investigate the extent of conservation of the genetic mechanisms regulating Dll expression between the insects and their relatives the crustaceans (more than 450 million years diverged). It also aim to understand the changes in regulation of Dll expression that have led to the evolution of the limbless abdomen in insects from one with legs as seen in crustaceans.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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