A novel role for trithorax in the gene regulatory network for a rapidly evolving fruit fly pigmentation trait

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010653
• Publication Date: 2023-02-16T18:47:43Z
• Authors: Michael L. Weinstein; Chad M. Jaenke; Hasiba Asma; Matthew Spangler; Katherine A. Kohnen; Claire C. Konys; Melissa E. Williams; Ashley V. Williams; Mark Rebeiz; Marc S. Halfon; Thomas M. Williams
• Keywords: Gene regulatory network

Animal traits develop through the expression and action of numerous regulatory realizator genes that comprise a gene network (GRN). For each GRN, its underlying patterns are controlled by cis -regulatory elements (CREs) bind activating repressing transcription factors. These interactions drive cell-type developmental stage-specific transcriptional activation or repression. Most GRNs remain incompletely mapped, major barrier to this daunting task is CRE identification. Here, we used an in silico method identify predicted CREs (pCREs) GRN which governs sex-specific pigmentation Drosophila melanogaster . Through vivo assays, demonstrate many pCREs activate correct stage. We employed genome editing two control pupal abdomen trithorax , whose function required for dimorphic phenotype. Surprisingly, had no detectable effect on GRN’s key trans -regulators, but shapes genes. Comparison sequences orthologous these supports evolutionary scenario where predated origin trait. Collectively, study demonstrates how approaches can shed novel insights basis trait’s development evolution.