A small molecule screen identifies a novel compound that induces a homeotic transformation in Hydra

作者：Glauber Kristine M^*; Dana Catherine E; Park Steve S; Colby David A; Noro Yukihiko; Fujisawa Toshitaka; Chamberlin A Richard; Steele Robert E

来源：Development, 2013, 140(23): 4788-+.

DOI：10.1242/dev.094490

• Cnidaria
• Hydra
• Pattern formation
• Pyridone
• Regeneration
• Small molecule

Developmental processes such as morphogenesis, patterning and differentiation are continuously active in the adult Hydra polyp. We carried out a small molecule screen to identify compounds that affect patterning in Hydra. We identified a novel molecule, DAC-2-25, that causes a homeotic transformation of body column into tentacle zone. This transformation occurs in a progressive and polar fashion, beginning at the oral end of the animal. We have identified several strains that respond to DAC-2-25 and one that does not, and we used chimeras from these strains to identify the ectoderm as the target tissue for DAC-2-25. Using transgenic Hydra that express green fluorescent protein under the control of relevant promoters, we examined how DAC-2-25 affects tentacle patterning. Genes whose expression is associated with the tentacle zone are ectopically expressed upon exposure to DAC-2-25, whereas those associated with body column tissue are turned off as the tentacle zone expands. The expression patterns of the organizer-associated gene HyWnt3 and the hypostome-specific gene HyBra2 are unchanged. Structure-activity relationship studies have identified features of DAC-2-25 that are required for activity and potency. This study shows that small molecule screens in Hydra can be used to dissect patterning processes.

• 出版日期2013-12-1