Involvement of the conserved Hox gene Antennapedia in the development and evolution of a novel trait

摘要: Hox proteins specify segment identity during embryogenesis and have typical associated expression patterns. Changes in embryonic activity of genes were crucial the evolution animal body plans, but their role post-embryonic development lineage-specific traits remains largely unexplored. Here, we focus on insect Ultrabithorax (Ubx) Antennapedia (Antp), implicate latter formation diversification novel, butterfly-specific wing First, describe a conserved pattern Ubx novel Antp discs Bicyclus anynana butterflies. The discrete, reiterated domains contrast with single continuous regions arthropod embryos. Second, show that this is establishment organizing centres eyespots. upregulation earliest event organizer described to date, all implicated eyespot formation, exclusive those centres. Third, our comparative analysis gene across nymphalids reveals unexpected differences determination. We Antp's recruitment for butterfly involved new domains, restricted particular lineage. This study contributes insights into expression, as well genetic mechanisms underlying morphological diversification. Our results also underscore how wider representation phylogenetic diversity essential evolutionary developmental biology.