title: Expression pattern of empty-spiracles, a conserved head-patterning gene, in honeybee (Apis mellifera) embryos.
abstract: Empty-spiracle class homeodomain proteins have similar roles in anterior and head development in many animal species. We have identified a honeybee empty-spiracles gene and examined its expression in honeybee ovaries and embryos. The expression of honeybee empty-spiracles in embryos is similar to that reported for Drosophila and Tribolium, implying broad conservation of the role of this gene in insect embryogenesis. We also identify expression in somatic and germ-line cells of the ovary, not previously seen in other insect species.
authors.affiliation: Gravida, The National Centre for Growth and Development, Genetics Otago, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Electronic address: peter.dearden@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Peter K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Dearden
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics; D019521:Body Patterning; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D016678:Genome; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000196:embryology; D010802:Phylogeny; D013045:Species Specificity; D000099260:Empty Spiracles Homeobox Proteins
chemical_list: D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D019476:Insect Proteins; C093054:ems protein, Drosophila; D000099260:Empty Spiracles Homeobox Proteins
keywords: Empty-spiracles; Evolution; Head development; Honeybee