Transcriptional dynamics in Drosophila melanogaster wings during late pupal phase

The aim of this study was to explore gene expression in late wing morphogenesis and correlate it to changes in morphology. In the second half of metamorphosis the cuticle is laid down on the fly, which requires many genes to work in concert. The wing is a remarkably homogeneous tissue, and the developmental programs of most cells are synchronized. It consists of two layers of epithelial cells, both secreting the wing cuticle. Highly expressed transcripts, as well as those with high variability between adjacent time points, were of particular interest.