Describing the mechanisms through which animal morphology evolves is a fundamental goal of biology. Adult morphology is produced through the processes and genetic networks that comprise development. However, most comparative developmental studies have focused on widely divergent species, obscuring morphologically significant molecular differences with those incurred over time through random genetic drift. To more directly investigate the evolution of developmental mechanisms underlying morphological diversification, the research proposed here will investigate the developmental network underlying antenna distal morphology in two closely related species of flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum. This trait is evolutionary labile and tractable through modern techniques of developmental genetics. This work will help define the types of molecular changes involved in morphological evolution. Investigation into the development of these insects, which are agricultural pests and human parasite vectors, will also further the pursuits of pest management and human health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM074365-03
Application #
7218609
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Portnoy, Matthew
Project Start
2005-04-04
Project End
2008-04-03
Budget Start
2007-04-04
Budget End
2008-04-03
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$48,796
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Connecticut
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
614209054
City
Storrs-Mansfield
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06269
Smith, Frank W; Angelini, David R; Gaudio, Matthew S et al. (2014) Metamorphic labral axis patterning in the beetle Tribolium castaneum requires multiple upstream, but few downstream, genes in the appendage patterning network. Evol Dev 16:78-91
Smith, Frank W; Angelini, David R; Jockusch, Elizabeth L (2014) A functional genetic analysis in flour beetles (Tenebrionidae) reveals an antennal identity specification mechanism active during metamorphosis in Holometabola. Mech Dev 132:13-27
Angelini, David R; Smith, Frank W; Jockusch, Elizabeth L (2012) Extent With Modification: Leg Patterning in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum and the Evolution of Serial Homologs. G3 (Bethesda) 2:235-48
Angelini, David R; Smith, Frank W; Aspiras, Ariel C et al. (2012) Patterning of the adult mandibulate mouthparts in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Genetics 190:639-54
Angelini, David R; Kikuchi, Moto; Jockusch, Elizabeth L (2009) Genetic patterning in the adult capitate antenna of the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Dev Biol 327:240-51
Angelini, David R; Jockusch, Elizabeth L (2008) Relationships among pest flour beetles of the genus Tribolium (Tenebrionidae) inferred from multiple molecular markers. Mol Phylogenet Evol 46:127-41