
pmid: 11401396
Wnt genes encode evolutionarily conserved secreted proteins that provide critical functions during development. Although Wnt proteins share highly conserved features, they also show sequence divergence, which almost certainly contributes to the variety of their signaling activities. We previously reported that DWnt4 and wingless (wg), two divergent clustered Wnt genes, can have either antagonist or distinct functions during Drosophila embryogenesis. Here we provide evidence that both genes can elicit similar cellular responses during imaginal development. Ectopic expression of DWnt4 along the anterior/posterior (A/P) boundary of imaginal discs alters morphogenesis of adult appendages. In the wing disc, DWnt4 phenocopies ectopic Wg activity by inducing notum to wing transformation, suggesting similar signaling capabilities of both molecules. In support of this, we demonstrate that DWnt4 can rescue wg loss-of-function phenotypes in the antenna and haltere and is able to substitute for Wg in wing field specification. We also show that both genes are transcribed in overlapping domains in imaginal discs, suggesting that DWnt4 may cooperate with wg during limb patterning.
Male, axial patterning, DWnt4, Drosophila imaginal disc, Genes, Insect, Wnt1 Protein, Animals, Genetically Modified, Wnt4 Protein, Proto-Oncogene Proteins, Morphogenesis, Animals, Drosophila Proteins, Wings, Animal, wg, Molecular Biology, Body Patterning, DNA Primers, Base Sequence, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Cell Biology, Wnt signaling, Wnt Proteins, Phenotype, Drosophila, Developmental Biology
Male, axial patterning, DWnt4, Drosophila imaginal disc, Genes, Insect, Wnt1 Protein, Animals, Genetically Modified, Wnt4 Protein, Proto-Oncogene Proteins, Morphogenesis, Animals, Drosophila Proteins, Wings, Animal, wg, Molecular Biology, Body Patterning, DNA Primers, Base Sequence, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Cell Biology, Wnt signaling, Wnt Proteins, Phenotype, Drosophila, Developmental Biology
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 23 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
