Naked cuticle is essential for Drosophila wing development beyond Wingless signaling

FEBS Open Bio. 2026 Mar;16(3):532-541. doi: 10.1002/2211-5463.70149. Epub 2025 Oct 25.

ABSTRACT

The evolutionarily conserved gene naked cuticle (nkd) has been gone through studies in both invertebrate and mammalian model systems. Nkd proteins play an essential role in the development of Drosophila as a negative-feedback regulator for Wingless signaling. In this research study, we showcase the multifaceted functions of Nkd in Drosophila wing development. The disturbance of nkd dosage genetically disrupts multiple biological processes in the larval stage and the morphologies of adult wings. Our results of high-throughput sequencing indicate that nkd may have profound effects on Drosophila wing development involving more essential signaling pathways. Nkd may serve as a potential integrator of multiple signaling pathways during wing development, extending its functional repertoire beyond simple Wg inhibition.

PMID:41137503 | PMC:PMC12955756 | DOI:10.1002/2211-5463.70149