Research on a small number of model organisms has been crucial for elucidating fundamental mechanisms that control development in all animals. Yet the diversity that is evident in the development, morphology and physiology of animals suggests that many biological processes cannot be fully understood just by studying the established animal models. For instance, evolutionary studies require comparisons among diverse species, and some processes are entirely missing in the established models. By developing genetic tools in new species we can overcome these limitations. Our work focuses on two arthropods, the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis and the beetle Tribolium castaneum . These emerging models provide opportunities to explore a range of topics, at different levels of biological complexity: from the evolution of body plans (segment specialization, adaptations to life on land), to mechanisms of development (segmentation by terminal growth, regeneration) and gene regulation (trans-splicing).

Sarrazin A, Peel A and Averof M (2012) A segmentation clock with two-segment periodicity in insects. Science 336: 338-341

Kontarakis Z, Pavlopoulos A, Kiupakis A, Konstantinides N, Douris V and Averof M (2011) A versatile strategy for gene trapping and trap conversion in emerging model organisms. Development 138: 2625-30

Douris V, Telford MJ and Averof M (2010) Evidence for multiple independent origins of trans-splicing in Metazoa. Mol Biol Evol 27: 684-693

Pavlopoulos A, Kontarakis Z, Liubicich D, Serano J, Akam M, Patel NH and Averof M (2009) Probing the evolution of appendage specialization by Hox gene mis-expression in an emerging model crustacean. PNAS 106: 13897-13902