Advances in pattern: Formation signaling and transcription

Abstract

The 49th Annual Drosophila Research Conference was held in the sunny confines of San Diego. As usual, large numbers of Drosophila scientists working in fields as different as immunology and evolution descended on the venue. The meeting showed that the fly commuity is still vibrant and diverse even with the funding crunch at the NIH and the renewed rumors that Drosophila may have outlived its usefulness. This short review will focus on one session of platform presentations detailing the recent advances in the field of pattern formation. This session offered a variety of topics reviewing the formation of pattern in various tissues through diverse mechanisms. I will focus on early embryonic patterning through pair-rule genes, specificity of FGF signaling, and tissue regeneration. © 2008 Landes Bioscience.