# Naked cuticle is essential for Drosophila wing development beyond Wingless signaling

## TL;DR

The gene naked cuticle is crucial for Drosophila wing development, influencing multiple signaling pathways beyond its known role in Wnt signaling.

## Contribution

This study reveals that Nkd integrates multiple signaling pathways during wing development, beyond its role in Wingless signaling.

## Key findings

- Genetic disruption of nkd affects larval development and adult wing morphology.
- High-throughput sequencing shows nkd influences multiple signaling pathways.
- Nkd functions as an integrator of signaling pathways during wing development.

## 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.

Naked cuticle (Nkd), a Wnt signaling inhibitor, assumes extensive roles in Drosophila wing development. Overexpressing Nkd causes smaller, crumpled wings, while also perturbing multiple signaling pathways and developmental genes. A specific region (R1S) is critical for Nkd's function as a signaling integrator, offering new insights for studying its homologs in human diseases.