Quantitative Control of Organ Shape by Combinatorial Gene Activity

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000538
• Publication Date: 2010-11-09T20:34:01Z
• Authors: Min-Long Cui; Lucy Copsey; Amelia A. Green; J. Andrew Bangham; Enrico Coen
• Keywords: Antirrhinum; Antirrhinum majus; Petal

The development of organs with particular shapes, like wings or flowers, depends on regional activity transcription factors and signalling molecules. However, the mechanisms that link these molecular activities to morphogenetic events underlying shape are poorly understood. Here we describe a combination experimental computational approaches address this problem, applying them group genes controlling flower in Snapdragon (Antirrhinum). Four known play key role control floral asymmetry Snapdragon. We use quantitative analysis mutants for define principal components variation. show each factor has specific effect size regions within flower, shifting position space. These shifts further analysed by generating double lines express some ectopically. By integrating observations gene expression patterns interactions, arrive at combinatorial scheme how effects genetically controlled. evaluate our incorporating proposed interactions into generative model, where developing is treated as material sheet grows according modify local polarities growth rates. petal shapes generated model good match those observed experimentally numerous genotypes, thus validating hypothesised scheme. This article therefore shows complex can be accounted properties. finding implications not only develop but also they may have evolved through tinkering their targets.