Identification of tightly regulated groups of genes during Drosophila melanogaster embryogenesis

Sean D Hooper, Stephanie Boué, Roland Krause, Lars J Jensen, Christopher E Mason, Murad Ghanim, Kevin P White, Eileen E M Furlong, Peer Bork

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

63 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Time-series analysis of whole-genome expression data during Drosophila melanogaster development indicates that up to 86% of its genes change their relative transcript level during embryogenesis. By applying conservative filtering criteria and requiring 'sharp' transcript changes, we identified 1534 maternal genes, 792 transient zygotic genes, and 1053 genes whose transcript levels increase during embryogenesis. Each of these three categories is dominated by groups of genes where all transcript levels increase and/or decrease at similar times, suggesting a common mode of regulation. For example, 34% of the transiently expressed genes fall into three groups, with increased transcript levels between 2.5-12, 11-20, and 15-20 h of development, respectively. We highlight common and distinctive functional features of these expression groups and identify a coupling between downregulation of transcript levels and targeted protein degradation. By mapping the groups to the protein network, we also predict and experimentally confirm new functional associations.
Original languageEnglish
JournalMolecular Systems Biology
Volume3
Pages (from-to)72
ISSN1744-4292
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

Cite this