An ancestral apical brain region contributes to the central complex under the control of foxQ2 in the beetle Tribolium castaneum

摘要: Abstract The genetic control of anterior brain development is highly conserved throughout animals. For instance, a gene regulatory network specifies the ancestral neuroendocrine center animals and apical organ marine organisms. However, its contribution to in non-marine has remained elusive. Here, we study function Tc-foxQ2 forkhead transcription factor, key regulator insects. We characterized four distinct types positive neural progenitor cells based on differential co-expression with Tc-six3/optix, Tc-six4, Tc-chx/vsx, Tc-nkx2.1/scro, Tc-ey, Tc-rx Tc-fez1. An enhancer trap line built by genome editing marked neurons, which projected through primary commissure later subset commissural fascicles. Eventually, they contributed central complex. Strikingly, RNAi knock-down embryos did not split subsequent midline structures stalled. Our work establishes foxQ2 as structures, distinguish protocerebrum from segmental ganglia. Unexpectedly, our data suggest that complex evolved integrating an center. Summary statement contributes evolution required for insect brain,