The phenotypic plasticity of developmental modules

摘要: Organisms develop and evolve in a modular fashion, but how individual modules interact with the environment remains poorly understood. Phenotypically plastic traits are often under selection, studies needed to address respond fashion. In this study, tissue-specific plasticity of melanic spots was examined large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Although size abdominal bands varied according rearing temperatures, wing were more robust. To explore regulation pigmentation plasticity, candidate genes involved spot patterning biosynthesis melanin analyzed. While knockdown dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) led lighter both wings abdomen, shape elements remained unaffected. Abdominal-B (Abd-B) partially phenocopied low-temperature phenotype, still sensitive temperature shifts. These observations suggest that regulators downstream Abd-B upstream DDC responsible for response abdomen. Ablation regeneration smaller reduced shifted proximally. addition, Wnt signaling nuclear effector genes, armadillo 1 2, altered shape. Thus, pleiotropic effects may constrain amount bands. We propose when regulated by distinct pre-patterning mechanisms, they can whereas impacts developmental shared between different modules, phenotypic manifest as developmentally integrated system.