# Functional evolution of segmentation gene regulatory networks in insects

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · 2024 · $326,292

## Abstract

Project Summary
A central question in the field of Evo-Devo is how genes controlling embryonic development change during
evolution. Many recent advances in Evo-Devo have identified genetic changes that are associated with the
acquisition of, or changes in, external body features, such as alterations in pigmentation patterns or development
of body armor. In contrast, our studies are novel in this field as they have revealed unexpected genetic variation
underlying a highly conserved trait: the shared segmented body plan of insects. The genes controlling
segmentation encode transcription factors that are required for embryonic development and viability. The cohort
of genes responsible for segment formation include pair-rule genes (PRGs) identified in the model insect
Drosophila. Mutations in Drosophila PRGs result in lethality accompanied by loss of alternate segmental regions.
Thus, it was surprising to find differences in the presence, expression, or function of PRGs in different insect
taxa. The work proposed here is designed to understand the mechanistic basis for this genetic variation, which
we have observed in different insect lineages. To carry out functional studies, we have developed molecular
genetic approaches in diverse insect species in our lab. The establishment of multiple non-model systems
simultaneously within one lab has synergistic effects due to sharing of protocols and troubleshooting strategies,
allowing us to develop new techniques more effectively in different species. With these tools in hand, we will
examine the underlying bases of specific scenarios of genetic variation: In Aim 1, we will ask how PR-patterning
is achieved without canonical PRGs in the milkweed bug Oncopeltus where we have found novel utilization of
PRGs compared to Drosophila. Aim 2 will explore the evolutionary trajectory of the Oncopeltus PRG network
across insect groups. Aim 3 will decipher mechanisms underlying loss of an essential PRG in both mosquitoes
and butterflies. These studies will contribute to our understanding of fundamental mechanisms regulating
embryonic development and how these mechanisms have changed during the radiation of insects. This project
will train postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and at least five undergraduate students in molecular biology,
genetics, and molecular evolution. Establishment of molecular techniques in non-model and emerging model
insect species, including expression analysis, RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9, FAIRE-seq, and transgenesis,
not only allows us to answer fundamental questions about embryonic development, but also provides molecular
tools for translational studies of insects that pose a risk to human health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10835061
- **Project number:** 5R01GM113230-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- **Principal Investigator:** Leslie Pick
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $326,292
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2015-05-01 → 2027-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10835061

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10835061, Functional evolution of segmentation gene regulatory networks in insects (5R01GM113230-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10835061. Licensed CC0.

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