Figure 1.

The wing disc as a model system of signal integration during organogenesis. (A) Second messengers are central nodes of a bow-tie structure that integrates various input signals to inform cellular behaviors. The information from a coupled intercellular network results in emergent tissue-scale phenomena. (B) Schematic describing the development of the Drosophila wing from the wing disc is shown. The wing disc grows rapidly during larval stages and develops into the adult wing. Spatial patterning of cell fates is determined by the combined actions of morphogenetic signals, including Hedgehog (Hh), BMP/Decapentaplegic (Dpp), and Wnt/Wingless (Wg). After larval growth, the wing disc undergoes morphogenesis to form the wing and the thorax. The larval pouch is approximately an oval. The pouch cells later form the wing blade. In the adult wing, there are L1–L5 veins, anterior crossvein (ACV), and posterior crossvein (PCV). This study focuses on Ca²⁺ signaling dynamics in the third instar wing disc pouch, after primary patterning of anterior/posterior and dorsal/ventral compartments has occurred. To see this figure in color, go online.