Cover image

Cover FGF genes pattern the mesoderm of Drosophila embryos. Shown here are double fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses of two novel FGF genes, pyramus (blue) and thisbe (red), in gastrulating Drosophila embryos. The dynamic expression patterns of pyramus and thisbe are visualized in embryos undergoing rapid germ band elongation (top and bottom) or slow germ band elongation (middle). pyramus and thisbe control both spreading of the mesoderm and differentiation of distinct mesodermal lineages. (For details, see Stathopoulos et al., 687.) For the multiplex fluorescent in situ hybridization method developed by Dave Kosman, Bill McGinnis, and Ethan Bier, see http://www.biology.ucsd.edu/~davek.