Contact: Diana Lutz
dlutz@wustl.edu
314-935-5272
Washington University in St. Louis

Steroid-Induced Gene Alters Effect of Signaling Pathway

Caption: Two switches must be thrown to turn on a target gene (Distal-less) that induces the formation of black spots on the legs called bracts, one of many changes in the transformation of a fruit fly pupa to an adult. One (left) ensures that the target gene is turned on only in the pupa. The other (right) controls where it turns on in the pupa.

Credit: Ian and Dianne Duncan

Usage Restrictions: None

Related news release: Scientists learn how insects 'remodel' their bodies between life stages