Drosophila Left/Right Asymmetry Establishment Is Controlled by the Hox Gene Abdominal-B

SummaryIn Drosophila, left/right (LR) asymmetry is apparent in the directional looping of the gut and male genitalia. The dextral orientation of the organs depends on the activity of a single gene, MyosinID (myoID), whose mutation leads to a fully inverted LR axis, thus revealing the activity of a recessive sinistral pathway. Here, we present the identification of the Hox gene Abdominal-B (Abd-B) as an upstream regulator of LR determination. This role appears distinct from its function in anteroposterior patterning. We show that the Abd-Bm isoform binds to regulatory sequences of myoID and controls MyoID expression in the organ LR organizer. Abd-Bm is also required for the sinistral pathway. Thus, when Abd-B activity is missing, no symmetry breaking occurs and flies develop symmetrically. These findings identify the Hox gene Abd-B as directing the earliest events of LR asymmetry establishment in Drosophila.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (217 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Abd-B directs the earliest steps of Drosophila left/right asymmetry establishment ► Abd-B directly regulates expression of the dextral determinant-encoding gene myoID ► Abd-B controls the two opposite dextral and sinistral left/right pathways ► Abd-B absence leads to the symmetrical development of normally asymmetric organs