The strange head development of arthropods

The arthropods do not need specialized genes to develop their heads. According to a new study published this week in PNAS, they only use genes in the legs. And indeed, spiders and scorpions use leg genes to develop their heads.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Emily Setton and Prashant Sharma are looking for the evolutionary roots of spider parts, organs that allow spiders to spin fibers. To detect genetic links between the spinnerets and the spider's legs, the researchers inhibited the leg development gene in the papillae. When they do, small spiders don't just grow their legs, they can't grow.

Tracking analysis shows that both spiders and scorpions use Sp6-9 and Dll genes to manage head development. This genetic code is usually for leg growth in most arthropods.

The arthropods use foot genes to develop their heads.

This is not the first time scientists have found identical genes that serve many purposes across different species. For example, the same gene is used to encode the jaw bone in reptiles and ear bones in humans.

However, this latest discovery is a reminder of the evolutionary effect of arthropods, a group that is regulated by soil, water and air. Setton and Sharma believed that arthropods kept many secrets of genetic evolution and adaptation.

Setton said: 'We study spiders, scorpions and other species to help build a more complete evolutionary story and specific insight into what's happening in the complex world of arthropods'. .

Researchers hope more genetic ways will be revealed by members of the species.

Sharma added: 'Researching with animals makes us feel really difficult. The big question for researchers is how diversity is genetically and evolutionary? How are the ancient lineages related, and which genetic mechanisms are the basis of their differences? '