Imaginal Discs: The Genetic and Cellular Logic of Pattern Formation (Developmental and Cell Biology Series, Series Number 39)

Many of the 14,000 genes of Drosophila are involved in the development of imaginal discs. These hollow sacs of cells make adult structures during metamorphosis, and their study is crucial to comprehending how a larva becomes a fully-functioning fly. This book examines the genetic circuitry of the well-known 'fruit fly', tackling questions of cell assemblage and pattern formation, of the hows and the whys behind the development of the fly. After an initial examination of the proximity versus pedigree imperatives, the book delves into bristle pattern formation and disc development, with entire chapters devoted to the leg, wing, and eye. Extensive appendices include a glossary of protein domains, catalogues of well-studied genes, and an outline of signaling pathways. More than 30 wiring diagrams among over 60 detailed schematics clarify the text. No student or practising scientist engaged in the study of Drosophila genetics should be without this comprehensive reference. Ch. 1. Cell Lineage Vs. Intercellular Signaling. Discs Are Not Clones. No Part Of A Disc Is A Clone, Except Claws And Tiny Sense Organs. Cells Belong To Lineage Compartments -- Ch. 2. The Bristle. Numb Segregates Asymmetrically And Dictates Bristle Cell Fates. Delta Needs To Activate Notch, But Not As A Signal Per Se. Amnesic Cells Can Use Sequential Gating To Simulate A Binary Code. Notch Must Go To The Nucleus To Function. E(spl)-c Genes Are Su(h) Targets But Play No Role In The Sop Lineage. The Transcription Factor Tramtrack Implements Some Cell Identities. Hairless Titrated Su(h). Several Other Genes Help Determine The 5 Cell Fates. Pox Neuro And Cut Specify Bristle Type. Bract Cells Are Induced By Bristle Cells. Lewis I. Held, Jr. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 307-439) And Index. This book examines the genetic circuitry of the well-known 'fruit fly'. It looks at the proximity versus pedigree imperatives, bristle pattern formation and disc development, and has entire chapters devoted to the leg, wing, and eye. Appendices include a glossary of protein domains and catalogues of well-studied genes. More than 60 detailed schematics clarify the text. Imaginal discs are hollow sacs of cells that make adult structures during metamorphosis.