Research uncovers genetics behind firefly’s glow

The genes responsible for fireflies’ lantern structure have long remained a mystery to science.

New research published by a former IU graduate student, Matthew Stansbury, and his former Ph.D. adviser Armin Moczek, explains some of the genetics behind the structure of the firefly lantern, which produces the insect’s well-known glow.

Stansbury is currently conducting postdoctoral research at the Center for Insect Sciences at the University of Arizona.

Their study concluded that two homeobox, abbreviated Hox, genes are responsible for regulating the functions of the lantern.

Hox genes, discovered by students in 1983 under the supervision of Thom Kaufman, IU distinguished professor of biology, function by specifying body regions and boundaries. For example, the genes establish borders among the head, the thorax and the abdomen segments of an insect.

Hox genes are also responsible for specifying what goes with each specific segment, such as wings on the thorax.

Moczek said in a IU press release Wednesday that the idea of Hox genes acquiring new responsibilities quickly without compromising old ones is novel.

Normally, Hox genes restrict themselves to very particular boundaries and functions, which makes their role in the creation of the lantern a shock.

Moczek said in the press release this study is only the beginning.

He said he wants to look into what genes the Hox genes interact with to form the lantern, when and where this gene product is active and how the adult organ of the lantern evolves from the larval organ.

Much of Moczek’s research focuses on the investigation of novel traits.

He has investigated beetle horns, finding that their formation is also regulated by Hox genes.

“This study is the first of its kind on these organisms and this structure, and we hope, more than anything, opens up the door for future work on these charismatic insects,” Moczek said.

Follow reporter Anna Hyzy on Twitter @annakhyzy.