The Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is well known to transform wings on the third thoracic segment of Drosophila into balance organs, the halteres. In embryos of most insects, but not Drosophila, Ubx changes a pair of legs on the first abdominal segment to peculiar glandular organs called pleuropods. Function of pleuropods is not known. By using the model beetle Tribolium castaneum, orthopteran insects and springtails I aim to clarify for what purpose Ubx transforms first abdominal appendages to pleuropods and whether this Ubx role in insects is shared with non-insect hexapods

Konopova B and Akam M. 2014. The Hox genes Ultrabithorax and abdominal-A specify three different types of abdominal appendage in the springtail Orchesella cincta (Collembola). EvoDevo 5: 2. doi:10.1186/2041-9139-5-2 Konopova B, Smykal V, Jindra M. 2011. Common and distinct roles of juvenile hormone signaling genes in metamorphosis of holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects. PLoS One 6(12):e28728. Posnien N, Schinko J, Grossmann D, Shippy TD, Konopova B, Bucher G. 2009. RNAi in the red flour beetle (Tribolium). Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2009(8):pdb.prot5256. Konopova B and Jindra M. 2008. Broad-Complex acts downstream of Met in juvenile hormone signaling to coordinate primitive holometabolan metamorphosis. Development 135:559-568. Konopova B and Jindra M. 2007. Juvenile hormone resistance gene Methoprene-tolerant controls entry into metamorphosis in the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:10488-10493. Konopova B and Zrzavy J. 2005. Ultrastructure, development and homology of insect embryonic cuticles. J Morphol 264:339-362.