Segmental determination in Drosophila conferred by hunchback (hb), a repressor of the homeotic gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx).

摘要: Abstract The activity of homeotic genes in Drosophila cells determines segment-specific morphogenesis. Here, we provide evidence that the product hunchback (hb), a segmentation gene, acts as direct repressor or "silencer" gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) and thus prevents ectopic this gene: show, by stable integration reporter constructs, hb protein binding sites are capable repressing at distance an embryonic Ubx enhancer outside expression domain. This silencing is observed advanced stages, time when no longer detectable required, dependent on function Polycomb (Pc). We propose working hypothesis to how "hit-and-run" fashion may effect heritable throughout stages development, mediating repression its realm function.