Hox proteins coordinate peripodial decapentaplegic expression to direct adult head morphogenesis in Drosophila

► Identified a homeotic response element in the 5' cis-regulatory region of the dpp gene. ► This element is a direct target of labial and its cofactors homothorax and extradenticle. ► Further supports a critical signalling role for the peripodial epithelium in head morphogenesis. ► Role for Hox/BMP interactions in shaping the external form of the adult Drosophila head.