Conservation of the segmented germband stage: Robustness or pleiotropy?

Galis, F., Van Dooren, T.J.M., & Metz, J.A.J. (2002). Conservation of the segmented germband stage: Robustness or pleiotropy? Trends in Genetics 18 (10) 504-509. 10.1016/S0168-9525(02)02739-7.

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Abstract

Gene expression patterns of the segment polarity genes in the extended and segmented germband stage are remarkably conserved among insects. To explain the conservation of these stages, two hypotheses have been proposed. One hypothesis states that the conservation reflects a high interactivity between modules, so that mutations would have several pleiotropic effects in other parts of the body, resulting in stabilizing selection against mutational variation. The other hypothesis states that the conservation is caused by robustness of the segment polarity network against mutational changes. When evaluating the empirical evidence for these hypotheses, we found strong support for pleiotropy and little evidence supporting robustness of the segment polarity network. This points to a key role for stabilizing selection in the conservation of these stages. Finally, we discuss the implications for robustness of organizers and long-term conservation in general.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Robustness; Modularity; Pleiotropy; Stabilizing-selection; Phylotypic stage; Extended and segmented germband; Organizers
Research Programs:	Adaptive Dynamics Network (ADN)
Bibliographic Reference:	Trends in Genetics; 18(10):504-509 (1 October 2002) (Published online 21 August 2002)
Depositing User:	IIASA Import
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2016 02:13
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 17:17
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/6532

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