The genes @entity48595 , dachshund, extradenticle, and homothorax have been shown in @entity238 to be among the earliest genes that define positional values along the proximal-distal (PD) axis of the developing legs. In order to study @entity4094 formation in the appendages of the pill millipede Glomeris marginata, we have isolated homologues of these four genes and have studied their expression patterns. In the trunk legs, there are several differences to @entity238 , but the patterns are nevertheless compatible with a conserved role in defining positional values along the @entity4094 . However, their role in the head appendages is apparently more complex. @entity48595 in the mandible and maxilla is expressed in the forming sensory organs and, thus, does not seem to be involved in @entity4094 patterning. We could not identify in the mouthparts components that are homologous to the distal parts of the trunk legs and antennnae. Interestingly, there is also a transient premorphogenetic expression of @entity48595 in the second antennal and second maxillary segment, although no appendages are eventually formed in these segments. The dachshund gene is apparently involved both in PD patterning as well as in sensory organ development in the antenna, maxilla, and mandible. Strong dachshund expression is specifically correlated with the tooth-like part of the mandible, a feature that is shared with other mandibulate arthropods. homothorax is expressed in the proximal and medial parts of the legs, while extradenticle RNA is only seen in the proximal region. This overlap of expression corresponds to the functional overlap between extradenticle and homothorax in @entity238 .

The expression of the proximodistal axis patterning genes XXXX and dachshund in the appendages of Glomeris marginata (Myriapoda: Diplopoda) suggests a special role of these genes in patterning the head appendages.

@entity48595 :: ('37973(Tax:7227)', 'Gene') :: ['Distal-less'] @entity238 :: ('7227', 'Species') :: ['Drosophila'] @entity4094 :: ('MESH:D009468', 'Disease') :: ['PD axis']
@entity48595 :: (37973(Tax:7227),Gene) :: ['Distal-less']
