Evolutionary changes in TGF  distribution underlie morphological diversity in eggshells from Drosophila species

摘要: Drosophila eggshells display remarkable morphological diversity among species; however, the molecular origin of this structural diversification is mostly unknown. Here, we analyzed dorsal ridge (DR), a lumen-like structure along side eggshells, from numerous species. This varies in length and width across species, absent D. melanogaster eggshells. We associated DR formation with distinct spatiotemporal changes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, which acts as key eggshell patterning. show that distribution TGFα-like ligand Gurken (GRK), crucial for axis formation, underlies EGFR activation willistoni. Furthermore, demonstrate GRK willistoni rescues grk-null fly and, remarkably, it also sufficient to generate DR-like on its eggshell.