# Functional evolution of segmentation gene regulatory networks in insects

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · 2020 · $304,640

## Abstract

Abstract
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. Thus, it has been surprising to find large differences in the presence, expression, or
function of these genes in different insect taxa. The work proposed here is designed to
understand the mechanistic changes underlying this observed genetic variation, 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 more effectively develop new techniques in different
species. With these tools in hand, we will examine the underlying bases of specific scenarios of
regulatory gene variation: Aim 1. Re-wiring of gene regulatory interactions that permit loss of a
conserved regulator in mosquitoes; Aim 2. Stability of target gene regulation despite switches in
transcription factor partners: Ftz-F1 regulates target genes without Ftz in Tribolium. Aim 3.
Regulation of segmentation by non-canonical PRGs in Hemiptera. 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, one graduate student, and at least four 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, 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:** 9908087
- **Project number:** 5R01GM113230-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- **Principal Investigator:** Leslie Pick
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $304,640
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2015-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9908087

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9908087, Functional evolution of segmentation gene regulatory networks in insects (5R01GM113230-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9908087. Licensed CC0.

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