Biology subjects

Jaeger, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Jaeger, J..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

Challenges in Improving Genomic Literacy: Results from National and Regional Surveys of Genomic Knowledge, Attitudes, Concerns, and Behaviors

PurposeInformation about genomics is increasingly available to mainstream society, with more and more emphasis on using genomic information to make health care decisions. To determine how prepared people are to use this knowledge to make critical health-related decisions, we assessed the publics level of genomic literacy and whether this knowledge affects their engagement in behaviors related to genomics, such as getting genetic testing. MethodsA survey assessing perceived and actual knowledge, attitudes, concerns, sources of information, and behaviors related to genomics was administered to national and regional samples of participants. A hierarchical linear regression tested whether knowledge and attitudes predicted engagement in behaviors related to genomics. ResultsParticipants had good basic knowledge of genetics, though they were less familiar with the term "the human genome." They also displayed positive attitudes towards genomic research, despite expressing many concerns. Both greater knowledge and more positive attitudes significantly and independently predicted greater engagement in genetic testing and other related proactive health behaviors. ConclusionKnowledge and concerns about genomics impact the publics ability and willingness to obtain genetic testing and engage in other proactive health behaviors. The publics genomic literacy could be enhanced by integrating their knowledge (e.g of DNA) with broader concepts (e.g. the human genome and genomics) and how they relate to health. Future research is needed on interventions that do this, to improve the publics genomic literacy through relationships that build trust

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2018

Modularity, criticality and evolvability of a developmental gene regulatory network

The existence of discrete phenotypic traits suggests that the complex regulatory processes which produce them are functionally modular. These processes are usually represented by networks. Only modular networks can be partitioned into intelligible subcircuits able to evolve relatively independently. Traditionally, functional modularity is approximated by detection of modularity in network structure. However, the correlation between structure and function is loose. Many regulatory networks exhibit modular behaviour without structural modularity. Here we partition an experimentally tractable regulatory network--the gap gene system of dipteran insects--using an alternative approach. We show that this system, although not structurally modular, is composed of dynamical modules driving different aspects of whole-network behaviour. All these subcircuits share the same regulatory structure, but differ in components and sensitivity to regulatory interactions. Some subcircuits are in a state of criticality while others are not, which explains the observed differential evolvability of the various expression features in the system.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2018

tarsal-less is expressed as a gap gene but has no gap gene phenotype in the moth midge Clogmia albipunctata.

Gap genes are involved in segment determination during early development of the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster and other dipteran insects (flies, midges, and mosquitoes). They are expressed in overlapping domains along the antero-posterior (A-P) axis of the blastoderm embryo. While gap domains cover the entire length of the A-P axis in Drosophila, there is a region in the blastoderm of the moth midge Clogmia albipunctata, which lacks canonical gap gene expression. Is a non-canonical gap gene functioning in this area? Here, we characterize tarsal-less (tal) in C. albipunctata. The homolog of tal in the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (called milles-pattes, mlpt) is a bona fide gap gene. We find that Ca-tal is expressed in the region previously reported as lacking gap gene expression. Using RNA interference, we study the interaction of Ca-tal with gap genes. We show that Ca-tal is regulated by gap genes, but only has a very subtle effect on tailless (Catll), while not affecting other gap genes at all. Moreover, cuticle phenotypes of Ca-tal depleted embryos do not show any gap phenotype. We conclude that Ca-tal is expressed and regulated like a gap gene, but does not function as a gap gene in C. albipunctata.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Two consecutive microtubule-based epithelial seaming events mediate dorsal closure in the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita

Evolution of morphogenesis is generally associated with changes in genetic regulation. Here we report evidence indicating that dorsal closure, a conserved morphogenetic process in dipterans, evolved as the consequence of rearrangements in epithelial organization rather than signaling regulation. In Drosophila melanogaster, dorsal closure consists of a two-tissue system where the contraction of extraembryonic amnioserosa and a JNK/Dpp-dependent epidermal actomyosin cable result in microtubule-dependent seaming of the epidermis. We find that dorsal closure in Megaselia abdita, a three-tissue system comprising serosa, amnion and epidermis, differs in morphogenetic rearrangements despite conservation of JNK/Dpp signaling. In addition to an actomyosin cable, M. abdita dorsal closure is driven by the rupture and contraction of the serosa and the consecutive microtubule-dependent seaming of amnion and epidermis. Our study indicates that the evolutionary transition to a reduced system of dorsal closure involves simplification of the seaming process without changing the signaling pathways of closure progression.\n\nImpact StatementEvolutionary reduction in tissue number involves the simplification of the seaming process but not signaling during epithelial fusion.

developmental biology↗