A quantitative, comparative study of gap gene regulation in dipterans

Karl Wotton, Eva Jiménez-Guri, Anton Crombach, Damjan Cicin-Sain
We aim to create gene circuit models of the gap gene network in Drosophila, Megaselia and Clogmia. To achieve this, we require detailed characterization of the early stages of development, as well as quantitative spatial gene expression patterns for all three species. Such data sets can be acquired using immunofluorescence (for protein) or in situ hybridization (for mRNA expression patterns). These data will be analyzed to characterize spatial variability of gene expression domains and gene expression dynamics. Gene network models will be obtained by fits to data (Fig. 1). We will characterize and compare the dynamical behavior of these networks. The resulting gene network topologies will be used to predict, which aspects of the network have been conserved, and which ones diverged during evolution. These predictions will be verified using RNAi and reporter assays.