Oxygen regulation of airway branching in Drosophila is mediated by Branchless FGF

Oxygen regulation of airway branching in Drosophila is discussed. It is mediated by Branchless (Bnl) FGF. The manner in which oxygen physiology patterns the fine terminal branches during later plastic phase of tracheal development has been studied. Ramification of the fine terminal branches is variable, regulated by oxygen, and the process is dependent on a local signal or signals from oxygen-starved cells. The same growth factor that patterns major branches in embyrogenesis is at work.