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Rubenstein JL, Nord AS, Ekker M. DLX genes and proteins in mammalian forebrain development. Development 2024; 151:dev202684. [PMID: 38819455 PMCID: PMC11190439 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The vertebrate Dlx gene family encode homeobox transcription factors that are related to the Drosophila Distal-less (Dll) gene and are crucial for development. Over the last ∼35 years detailed information has accrued about the redundant and unique expression and function of the six mammalian Dlx family genes. DLX proteins interact with general transcriptional regulators, and co-bind with other transcription factors to enhancer elements with highly specific activity in the developing forebrain. Integration of the genetic and biochemical data has yielded a foundation for a gene regulatory network governing the differentiation of forebrain GABAergic neurons. In this Primer, we describe the discovery of vertebrate Dlx genes and their crucial roles in embryonic development. We largely focus on the role of Dlx family genes in mammalian forebrain development revealed through studies in mice. Finally, we highlight questions that remain unanswered regarding vertebrate Dlx genes despite over 30 years of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Rubenstein
- UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alex S. Nord
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and 20 Behavioral Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Marc Ekker
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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2
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Zimmermann B, Montenegro JD, Robb SMC, Fropf WJ, Weilguny L, He S, Chen S, Lovegrove-Walsh J, Hill EM, Chen CY, Ragkousi K, Praher D, Fredman D, Schultz D, Moran Y, Simakov O, Genikhovich G, Gibson MC, Technau U. Topological structures and syntenic conservation in sea anemone genomes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8270. [PMID: 38092765 PMCID: PMC10719294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently little information about the evolution of gene clusters, genome architectures and karyotypes in early branching animals. Slowly evolving anthozoan cnidarians can be particularly informative about the evolution of these genome features. Here we report chromosome-level genome assemblies of two related anthozoans, the sea anemones Nematostella vectensis and Scolanthus callimorphus. We find a robust set of 15 chromosomes with a clear one-to-one correspondence between the two species. Both genomes show chromosomal conservation, allowing us to reconstruct ancestral cnidarian and metazoan chromosomal blocks, consisting of at least 19 and 16 ancestral linkage groups, respectively. We show that, in contrast to Bilateria, the Hox and NK clusters of investigated cnidarians are largely disintegrated, despite the presence of staggered hox/gbx expression in Nematostella. This loss of microsynteny conservation may be facilitated by shorter distances between cis-regulatory sequences and their cognate transcriptional start sites. We find no clear evidence for topologically associated domains, suggesting fundamental differences in long-range gene regulation compared to vertebrates. These data suggest that large sets of ancestral metazoan genes have been retained in ancestral linkage groups of some extant lineages; yet, higher order gene regulation with associated 3D architecture may have evolved only after the cnidarian-bilaterian split.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Zimmermann
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Research platform SinCeReSt, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juan D Montenegro
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Research platform SinCeReSt, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia M C Robb
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Whitney J Fropf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Lukas Weilguny
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shuonan He
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Shiyuan Chen
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eric M Hill
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Katerina Ragkousi
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
- Department of Biology, Amherst College, Amherst, MA, 01002, USA
| | - Daniela Praher
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Fredman
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Darrin Schultz
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Oleg Simakov
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Research platform SinCeReSt, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Grigory Genikhovich
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthew C Gibson
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.
| | - Ulrich Technau
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Research platform SinCeReSt, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Max Perutz laboratories, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Aase-Remedios ME, Janssen R, Leite DJ, Sumner-Rooney L, McGregor AP. Evolution of the Spider Homeobox Gene Repertoire by Tandem and Whole Genome Duplication. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad239. [PMID: 37935059 PMCID: PMC10726417 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication generates new genetic material that can contribute to the evolution of gene regulatory networks and phenotypes. Duplicated genes can undergo subfunctionalization to partition ancestral functions and/or neofunctionalization to assume a new function. We previously found there had been a whole genome duplication (WGD) in an ancestor of arachnopulmonates, the lineage including spiders and scorpions but excluding other arachnids like mites, ticks, and harvestmen. This WGD was evidenced by many duplicated homeobox genes, including two Hox clusters, in spiders. However, it was unclear which homeobox paralogues originated by WGD versus smaller-scale events such as tandem duplications. Understanding this is a key to determining the contribution of the WGD to arachnopulmonate genome evolution. Here we characterized the distribution of duplicated homeobox genes across eight chromosome-level spider genomes. We found that most duplicated homeobox genes in spiders are consistent with an origin by WGD. We also found two copies of conserved homeobox gene clusters, including the Hox, NK, HRO, Irx, and SINE clusters, in all eight species. Consistently, we observed one copy of each cluster was degenerated in terms of gene content and organization while the other remained more intact. Focussing on the NK cluster, we found evidence for regulatory subfunctionalization between the duplicated NK genes in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum compared to their single-copy orthologues in the harvestman Phalangium opilio. Our study provides new insights into the relative contributions of multiple modes of duplication to the homeobox gene repertoire during the evolution of spiders and the function of NK genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralf Janssen
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 752 36, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Leite
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Sumner-Rooney
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Alistair P McGregor
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
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Law STS, Yu Y, Nong W, So WL, Li Y, Swale T, Ferrier DEK, Qiu J, Qian P, Hui JHL. The genome of the deep-sea anemone Actinernus sp. contains a mega-array of ANTP-class homeobox genes. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231563. [PMID: 37876192 PMCID: PMC10598428 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the phylum Cnidaria include sea anemones, corals and jellyfish, and have successfully colonized both marine and freshwater habitats throughout the world. The understanding of how cnidarians adapt to extreme environments such as the dark, high-pressure deep-sea habitat has been hindered by the lack of genomic information. Here, we report the first chromosome-level deep-sea cnidarian genome, of the anemone Actinernus sp., which was 1.39 Gbp in length and contained 44 970 gene models including 14 806 tRNA genes and 30 164 protein-coding genes. Analyses of homeobox genes revealed the longest chromosome hosts a mega-array of Hox cluster, HoxL, NK cluster and NKL homeobox genes; until now, such an array has only been hypothesized to have existed in ancient ancestral genomes. In addition to this striking arrangement of homeobox genes, analyses of microRNAs revealed cnidarian-specific complements that are distinctive for nested clades of these animals, presumably reflecting the progressive evolution of the gene regulatory networks in which they are embedded. Also, compared with other sea anemones, circadian rhythm genes were lost in Actinernus sp., which likely reflects adaptation to living in the dark. This high-quality genome of a deep-sea cnidarian thus reveals some of the likely molecular adaptations of this ecologically important group of metazoans to the extreme deep-sea environment. It also deepens our understanding of the evolution of genome content and organization of animals in general and cnidarians in particular, specifically from the viewpoint of key developmental control genes like the homeobox-encoding genes, where we find an array of genes that until now has only been hypothesized to have existed in the ancient ancestor that pre-dated both the cnidarians and bilaterians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tsz Sum Law
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Thomas Swale
- Dovetail Genomics, LLC, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA
| | - David E. K. Ferrier
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Jianwen Qiu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiyuan Qian
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jerome Ho Lam Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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5
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Gaunt SJ. Seeking Sense in the Hox Gene Cluster. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:48. [PMID: 36412642 PMCID: PMC9680502 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hox gene cluster, responsible for patterning of the head-tail axis, is an ancestral feature of all bilaterally symmetrical animals (the Bilateria) that remains intact in a wide range of species. We can say that the Hox cluster evolved successfully only once since it is commonly the same in all groups, with labial-like genes at one end of the cluster expressed in the anterior embryo, and Abd-B-like genes at the other end of the cluster expressed posteriorly. This review attempts to make sense of the Hox gene cluster and to address the following questions. How did the Hox cluster form in the protostome-deuterostome last common ancestor, and why was this with a particular head-tail polarity? Why is gene clustering usually maintained? Why is there collinearity between the order of genes along the cluster and the positions of their expressions along the embryo? Why do the Hox gene expression domains overlap along the embryo? Why have vertebrates duplicated the Hox cluster? Why do Hox gene knockouts typically result in anterior homeotic transformations? How do animals adapt their Hox clusters to evolve new structural patterns along the head-tail axis?
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Gaunt
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
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6
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Shum CW, Nong W, So WL, Li Y, Qu Z, Yip HY, Swale T, Ang PO, Chan KM, Chan TF, Chu KH, Chui AP, Lau KF, Ngai SM, Xu F, Hui JH. Genome of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida and transcriptome profiles during tentacle regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:900321. [PMID: 36072338 PMCID: PMC9444052 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.900321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians including sea anemones, corals, hydra, and jellyfishes are a group of animals well known for their regeneration capacity. However, how non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (also known as miRNAs) contribute to cnidarian tissue regeneration is poorly understood. Here, we sequenced and assembled the genome of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida collected in Hong Kong waters. The assembled genome size of E. pallida is 229.21 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 10.58 Mb and BUSCO completeness of 91.1%, representing a significantly improved genome assembly of this species. The organization of ANTP-class homeobox genes in this anthozoan further supported the previous findings in jellyfishes, where most of these genes are mainly located on three scaffolds. Tentacles of E. pallida were excised, and both mRNA and miRNA were sequenced at 9 time points (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 1 day, 2, 3, 6, and 8 days) from regenerating tentacles. In addition to the Wnt signaling pathway and homeobox genes that are shown to be likely involved in tissue regeneration as in other cnidarians, we have shown that GLWamide neuropeptides, and for the first time sesquiterpenoid pathway genes could potentially be involved in the late phase of cnidarian tissue regeneration. The established sea anemone model will be useful for further investigation of biology and evolution in, and the effect of climate change on this important group of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl W.Y. Shum
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiqian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Yin Yip
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas Swale
- Dovetail Genomics, Scotts Valley, CA, United States
| | - Put O. Ang
- Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - King Ming Chan
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Hou Chu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Apple P.Y. Chui
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lau
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sai Ming Ngai
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Xu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jerome H.L. Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Jerome H.L. Hui,
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7
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Wnt antagonist as therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106191. [PMID: 35272015 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a fatal malignancy in women with a low survival rate that demands new therapeutic paradigms. Cancer cells acquire various exclusive alterations to proliferate, invade, metastasize, and escape cell death, acting independently of growth-inducing or growth-inhibiting signals. The nature of cellular signaling in tumorigenesis is interwoven. Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that has been shown to regulate ovarian cancer pathogenesis. The molecular mechanism of Wnt signaling underlying the development of ovarian cancer, drug resistance, and relapse is not completely understood. Extracellularly secreted Wnt signaling inhibitors are crucial regulators of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and malignant properties of cancer stem cells. Wnt inhibitors arbitrated modifications affecting Wnt pathway proteins on the cell membranes, in the cytoplasm, and in the nucleus have been shown to span essential contributions in the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Although many extrinsic inhibitors developed targeting the downstream components of the Wnt signaling pathway, investigating the molecular mechanisms of endogenous secreted inhibitors might substantiate prognostic or therapeutic biomarkers development. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in ovarian cancer, more systematic studies combined with clinical studies are requisite to probe the precise mechanistic interactions of Wnt antagonists in ovarian cancer. This review outlines the latest progress on the Wnt antagonists and ovarian cancer-specific regulators such as micro-RNAs, small molecules, and drugs regulating these Wnt antagonists in ovarian tumourigenesis.
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Nagel S. The Role of NKL Homeobox Genes in T-Cell Malignancies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111676. [PMID: 34829904 PMCID: PMC8615965 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors controlling basic developmental processes. The homeodomain is encoded by the homeobox and mediates sequence-specific DNA binding and interaction with cofactors, thus operating as a basic regulatory platform. Similarities in their homeobox sequences serve to arrange these genes in classes and subclasses, including NKL homeobox genes. In accordance with their normal functions, deregulated homeobox genes contribute to carcinogenesis along with hematopoietic malignancies. We have recently described the physiological expression of eleven NKL homeobox genes in the course of hematopoiesis and termed this gene expression pattern NKL-code. Due to the developmental impact of NKL homeobox genes these data suggest a key role for their activity in the normal regulation of hematopoietic cell differentiation including T-cells. On the other hand, aberrant overexpression of NKL-code members or ectopical activation of non-code members has been frequently reported in lymphoid and myeloid leukemia/lymphoma, demonstrating their oncogenic impact in the hematopoietic compartment. Here, we provide an overview of the NKL-code in normal hematopoiesis and discuss the oncogenic role of deregulated NKL homeobox genes in T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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9
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Bayramov AV, Ermakova GV, Kuchryavyy AV, Zaraisky AG. Genome Duplications as the Basis of Vertebrates’ Evolutionary Success. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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DLX Genes: Roles in Development and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123005. [PMID: 34203994 PMCID: PMC8232755 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DLX homeobox family genes encode transcription factors that have indispensable roles in embryonic and postnatal development. These genes are critically linked to the morphogenesis of craniofacial structures, branchial arches, forebrain, and sensory organs. DLX genes are also involved in postnatal homeostasis, particularly hematopoiesis and, when dysregulated, oncogenesis. DLX1/2, DLX3/4, and DLX5/6 exist as bigenes on different chromosomes, sharing intergenic enhancers between gene pairs, which allows orchestrated spatiotemporal expression. Genomic alterations of human DLX gene enhancers or coding sequences result in congenital disorders such as split-hand/foot malformation. Aberrant postnatal expression of DLX genes is associated with hematological malignancies, including leukemias and lymphomas. In several mouse models of T-cell lymphoma, Dlx5 has been shown to act as an oncogene by cooperating with activated Akt, Notch1/3, and/or Wnt to drive tumor formation. In humans, DLX5 is aberrantly expressed in lung and ovarian carcinomas and holds promise as a therapeutic target. Abstract Homeobox genes control body patterning and cell-fate decisions during development. The homeobox genes consist of many families, only some of which have been investigated regarding a possible role in tumorigenesis. Dysregulation of HOX family genes have been widely implicated in cancer etiology. DLX homeobox genes, which belong to the NK-like family, exert dual roles in development and cancer. The DLX genes are the key transcription factors involved in regulating the development of craniofacial structures in vertebrates. The three DLX bigenes have overlapping expression in the branchial arches. Disruption of DLX function has destructive consequences in organogenesis and is associated with certain congenital disorders in humans. The role of DLX genes in oncogenesis is only beginning to emerge. DLX2 diminishes cellular senescence by regulating p53 function, whereas DLX4 has been associated with metastasis in breast cancer. In human ovarian cancer cells, DLX5 is essential for regulating AKT signaling, thereby promoting cell proliferation and survival. We previously implicated Dlx5 as an oncogene in murine T-cell lymphoma driven by a constitutively active form of Akt2. In this mouse model, overexpression of Dlx5 was caused by a chromosomal rearrangement that juxtaposed the Tcr-beta promoter region near the Dlx5 locus. Moreover, transgenic mice overexpressing Dlx5, specifically in immature T-cells, develop spontaneous thymic lymphomas. Oncogenesis in this mouse model involves binding of Dlx5 to the Notch1 and Notch3 gene loci to activate their transcription. Dlx5 also cooperates with Akt signaling to accelerate lymphomagenesis by activating Wnt signaling. We also discuss the fact that human DLX5 is aberrantly expressed in several human malignancies.
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11
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Gomes-Dos-Santos A, Lopes-Lima M, Machado AM, Marcos Ramos A, Usié A, Bolotov IN, Vikhrev IV, Breton S, Castro LFC, da Fonseca RR, Geist J, Österling ME, Prié V, Teixeira A, Gan HM, Simakov O, Froufe E. The Crown Pearl: a draft genome assembly of the European freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758). DNA Res 2021; 28:6182681. [PMID: 33755103 PMCID: PMC8088596 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since historical times, the inherent human fascination with pearls turned the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) into a highly valuable cultural and economic resource. Although pearl harvesting in M. margaritifera is nowadays residual, other human threats have aggravated the species conservation status, especially in Europe. This mussel presents a myriad of rare biological features, e.g. high longevity coupled with low senescence and Doubly Uniparental Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA, for which the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly known. Here, the first draft genome assembly of M. margaritifera was produced using a combination of Illumina Paired-end and Mate-pair approaches. The genome assembly was 2.4 Gb long, possessing 105,185 scaffolds and a scaffold N50 length of 288,726 bp. The ab initio gene prediction allowed the identification of 35,119 protein-coding genes. This genome represents an essential resource for studying this species’ unique biological and evolutionary features and ultimately will help to develop new tools to promote its conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gomes-Dos-Santos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, P 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Lopes-Lima
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, P 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.,IUCN SSC Mollusc Specialist Group, c/o IUCN, Cambridge, England
| | - André M Machado
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, P 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - António Marcos Ramos
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), 7801-908 Beja, Portugal.,MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CEBAL-Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Ana Usié
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), 7801-908 Beja, Portugal.,MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CEBAL-Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Ivan N Bolotov
- Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk 163000, Russia
| | - Ilya V Vikhrev
- Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk 163000, Russia
| | - Sophie Breton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, P 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute R da Fonseca
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juergen Geist
- Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, D-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Martin E Österling
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences-Biology, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Vincent Prié
- Research Associate, Institute of Systematics, Evolution, Biodiversity (ISYEB), National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), CNRS, SU, EPHE, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Amílcar Teixeira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Han Ming Gan
- GeneSEQ Sdn Bhd, Bandar Bukit Beruntung, Rawang 48300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Oleg Simakov
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elsa Froufe
- CIIMAR/CIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, P 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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12
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NKL-Code in Normal and Aberrant Hematopoiesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081961. [PMID: 33921702 PMCID: PMC8073162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gene codes represent expression patterns of closely related genes in particular tissues, organs or body parts. The NKL-code describes the activity of NKL homeobox genes in the hematopoietic system. NKL homeobox genes encode transcription factors controlling basic developmental processes. Therefore, aberrations of this code may contribute to deregulated hematopoiesis including leukemia and lymphoma. Normal and abnormal activities of NKL homeobox genes are described and mechanisms of (de)regulation, function, and diseases exemplified. Abstract We have recently described physiological expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes in early hematopoiesis and in subsequent lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis, including terminally differentiated blood cells. We thereby systematized differential expression patterns of eleven such genes which form the so-called NKL-code. Due to the developmental impact of NKL homeobox genes, these data suggest a key role for their activity in normal hematopoietic differentiation processes. On the other hand, the aberrant overexpression of NKL-code-members or the ectopical activation of non-code members have been frequently reported in lymphoid and myeloid leukemia/lymphoma, revealing the oncogenic potential of these genes in the hematopoietic compartment. Here, I provide an overview of the NKL-code in normal hematopoiesis and instance mechanisms of deregulation and oncogenic functions of selected NKL genes in hematologic cancers. As well as published clinical studies, our conclusions are based on experimental work using hematopoietic cell lines which represent useful models to characterize the role of NKL homeobox genes in specific tumor types.
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13
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Li Y, Nong W, Baril T, Yip HY, Swale T, Hayward A, Ferrier DEK, Hui JHL. Reconstruction of ancient homeobox gene linkages inferred from a new high-quality assembly of the Hong Kong oyster (Magallana hongkongensis) genome. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:713. [PMID: 33059600 PMCID: PMC7566022 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox-containing genes encode crucial transcription factors involved in animal, plant and fungal development, and changes to homeobox genes have been linked to the evolution of novel body plans and morphologies. In animals, some homeobox genes are clustered together in the genome, either as remnants from ancestral genomic arrangements, or due to coordinated gene regulation. Consequently, analyses of homeobox gene organization across animal phylogeny provide important insights into the evolution of genome organization and developmental gene control, and their interaction. However, homeobox gene organization remains to be fully elucidated in several key animal ancestors, including those of molluscs, lophotrochozoans and bilaterians. RESULTS Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the Hong Kong oyster, Magallana hongkongensis (2n = 20), for which 93.2% of the genomic sequences are contained on 10 pseudomolecules (~ 758 Mb, scaffold N50 = 72.3 Mb). Our genome assembly was scaffolded using Hi-C reads, facilitating a larger scaffold size compared to the recently published M. hongkongensis genome of Peng et al. (Mol Ecol Resources, 2020), which was scaffolded using the Crassostrea gigas assembly. A total of 46,963 predicted gene models (45,308 protein coding genes) were incorporated in our genome, and genome completeness estimated by BUSCO was 94.6%. Homeobox gene linkages were analysed in detail relative to available data for other mollusc lineages. CONCLUSIONS The analyses performed in this study and the accompanying genome sequence provide important genetic resources for this economically and culturally valuable oyster species, and offer a platform to improve understanding of animal biology and evolution more generally. Transposable element content is comparable to that found in other mollusc species, contrary to the conclusion of another recent analysis. Also, our chromosome-level assembly allows the inference of ancient gene linkages (synteny) for the homeobox-containing genes, even though a number of the homeobox gene clusters, like the Hox/ParaHox clusters, are undergoing dispersal in molluscs such as this oyster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Li
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tobias Baril
- Department of Conservation and Ecology, Penryn Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ho Yin Yip
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | - Alexander Hayward
- Department of Conservation and Ecology, Penryn Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - David E K Ferrier
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Martine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, UK.
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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14
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WNT-β-catenin signalling - a versatile player in kidney injury and repair. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020; 17:172-184. [PMID: 32989282 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-020-00343-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The WNT-β-catenin system is an evolutionary conserved signalling pathway that is of particular importance for morphogenesis and cell organization during embryogenesis. The system is usually suppressed in adulthood; however, it can be re-activated in organ injury and regeneration. WNT-deficient mice display severe kidney defects at birth. Transient WNT-β-catenin activation stimulates tissue regeneration after acute kidney injury, whereas sustained (uncontrolled) WNT-β-catenin signalling promotes kidney fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), podocyte injury and proteinuria, persistent tissue damage during acute kidney injury and cystic kidney diseases. Additionally, WNT-β-catenin signalling is involved in CKD-associated vascular calcification and mineral bone disease. The WNT-β-catenin pathway is tightly regulated, for example, by proteins of the Dickkopf (DKK) family. In particular, DKK3 is released by 'stressed' tubular epithelial cells; DKK3 drives kidney fibrosis and is associated with short-term risk of CKD progression and acute kidney injury. Thus, targeting the WNT-β-catenin pathway might represent a promising therapeutic strategy in kidney injury and associated complications.
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15
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Jellyfish genomes reveal distinct homeobox gene clusters and conservation of small RNA processing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3051. [PMID: 32561724 PMCID: PMC7305137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16801-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylum Cnidaria represents a close outgroup to Bilateria and includes familiar animals including sea anemones, corals, hydroids, and jellyfish. Here we report genome sequencing and assembly for true jellyfish Sanderia malayensis and Rhopilema esculentum. The homeobox gene clusters are characterised by interdigitation of Hox, NK, and Hox-like genes revealing an alternate pathway of ANTP class gene dispersal and an intact three gene ParaHox cluster. The mitochondrial genomes are linear but, unlike in Hydra, we do not detect nuclear copies, suggesting that linear plastid genomes are not necessarily prone to integration. Genes for sesquiterpenoid hormone production, typical for arthropods, are also now found in cnidarians. Somatic and germline cells both express piwi-interacting RNAs in jellyfish revealing a conserved cnidarian feature, and evidence for tissue-specific microRNA arm switching as found in Bilateria is detected. Jellyfish genomes reveal a mosaic of conserved and divergent genomic characters evolved from a shared ancestral genetic architecture.
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16
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Deregulated NKL Homeobox Genes in B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121874. [PMID: 31779217 PMCID: PMC6966443 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have described physiological expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes in early hematopoiesis and in subsequent lymphopoiesis. We identified nine genes which constitute the so-called NKL-code. Aberrant overexpression of code-members or ectopically activated non-code NKL homeobox genes are described in T-cell leukemia and in T- and B-cell lymphoma, highlighting their oncogenic role in lymphoid malignancies. Here, we introduce the NKL-code in normal hematopoiesis and focus on deregulated NKL homeobox genes in B-cell lymphoma, including HLX, MSX1 and NKX2-2 in Hodgkin lymphoma; HLX, NKX2-1 and NKX6-3 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; and NKX2-3 in splenic marginal zone lymphoma. Thus, the roles of various members of the NKL homeobox gene subclass are considered in normal and pathological hematopoiesis in detail.
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17
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Hamzehzadeh L, Caraglia M, Atkin SL, Sahebkar A. Dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3): A candidate for detection and treatment of cancers? J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4595-4605. [PMID: 29206297 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is an evolutionary highly conserved pathway that is modulated by several inhibitors and activators, and plays a key role in numerous physiological processes. One of the extracellular Wnt inhibitors is the DKK (Dickkopf Homolog) family which has four members (Dkk1-4) and a unique Dkk3-related gene, Dkkl1 (soggy). DKK3 is a divergent member of the DKK protein family. Evidence suggests that DKK3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in several types of human cancers. We review here the biological role of DKK3 as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) or oncogene, and its correlation with various miRNAs. In addition, we discuss the role of polymorphisms and promoter methylation of the DKK3 gene, and of its expression in regulating cancer cell proliferation. Finally, we propose that DKK3 may be considered as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hamzehzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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18
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Zhao Q, Ma D, Huang Y, He W, Li Y, Vasseur L, You M. Genome-wide investigation of transcription factors provides insights into transcriptional regulation in Plutella xylostella. Mol Genet Genomics 2017; 293:435-449. [PMID: 29147778 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-017-1389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs), which play a vital role in regulating gene expression, are prevalent in all organisms and characterization of them may provide important clues for understanding regulation in vivo. The present study reports a genome-wide investigation of TFs in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide pest of crucifers. A total of 940 TFs distributed among 133 families were identified. Phylogenetic analysis of insect species showed that some of these families were found to have expanded during the evolution of P. xylostella or Lepidoptera. RNA-seq analysis showed that some of the TF families, such as zinc fingers, homeobox, bZIP, bHLH, and MADF_DNA_bdg genes, were highly expressed in certain tissues including midgut, salivary glands, fat body, and hemocytes, with an obvious sex-biased expression pattern. In addition, a number of TFs showed significant differences in expression between insecticide susceptible and resistant strains, suggesting that these TFs play a role in regulating genes related to insecticide resistance. Finally, we identified an expansion of the HOX cluster in Lepidoptera, which might be related to Lepidoptera-specific evolution. Knockout of this cluster using CRISPR/Cas9 showed that the egg cannot hatch, indicating that this cluster may be related to egg development and maturation. This is the first comprehensive study on identifying and characterizing TFs in P. xylostella. Our results suggest that some TF families are expanded in the P. xylostella genome, and these TFs may have important biological roles in growth, development, sexual dimorphism, and resistance to insecticides. The present work provides a solid foundation for understanding regulation via TFs in P. xylostella and insights into the evolution of the P. xylostella genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongna Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuping Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyi He
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiying Li
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian - Taiwan Crops and Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian-Taiwan Joint Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Lampreys, the jawless vertebrates, contain only two ParaHox gene clusters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9146-9151. [PMID: 28784804 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704457114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ParaHox genes (Gsx, Pdx, and Cdx) are an ancient family of developmental genes closely related to the Hox genes. They play critical roles in the patterning of brain and gut. The basal chordate, amphioxus, contains a single ParaHox cluster comprising one member of each family, whereas nonteleost jawed vertebrates contain four ParaHox genomic loci with six or seven ParaHox genes. Teleosts, which have experienced an additional whole-genome duplication, contain six ParaHox genomic loci with six ParaHox genes. Jawless vertebrates, represented by lampreys and hagfish, are the most ancient group of vertebrates and are crucial for understanding the origin and evolution of vertebrate gene families. We have previously shown that lampreys contain six Hox gene loci. Here we report that lampreys contain only two ParaHox gene clusters (designated as α- and β-clusters) bearing five ParaHox genes (Gsxα, Pdxα, Cdxα, Gsxβ, and Cdxβ). The order and orientation of the three genes in the α-cluster are identical to that of the single cluster in amphioxus. However, the orientation of Gsxβ in the β-cluster is inverted. Interestingly, Gsxβ is expressed in the eye, unlike its homologs in jawed vertebrates, which are expressed mainly in the brain. The lamprey Pdxα is expressed in the pancreas similar to jawed vertebrate Pdx genes, indicating that the pancreatic expression of Pdx was acquired before the divergence of jawless and jawed vertebrate lineages. It is likely that the lamprey Pdxα plays a crucial role in pancreas specification and insulin production similar to the Pdx of jawed vertebrates.
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20
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Neijts R, Deschamps J. At the base of colinear Hox gene expression: cis -features and trans -factors orchestrating the initial phase of Hox cluster activation. Dev Biol 2017; 428:293-299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Two dopamine D2-like receptor genes from the silkworm (Bombyx mori) and their evolutionary history in metazoan. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6848. [PMID: 28754962 PMCID: PMC5533763 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07055-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is widely distributed in metazoans and is implicated in many physiological functions. Dopaminergic signaling is mediated through two classes of dopamine receptors, D1-like and D2-like. Phylogeny analysis reveals that, the dopamine receptors probably appeared ahead of the cnidarian divergence, two distinct classes of dopamine receptors likely formed prior to the separation of deuterostomes and protostomes, and INDRs probably split from its ancestor before the emergence of nematodes. Two D2-like genes are closely linked on the same scaffold, and the chromosome region around D2-like gene loci show colinearity among different species within Lepidoptera. These indicate two D2-like and their adjunction genes are likely Lepidoptera-specific orthologs, and occur by gene duplication event taken place after Lepidoptera ancestor split from the common ancestor of Lepidoptera and Diptera. In silkworm, two D2-like genes were expressed in examined tissues, and encoded BmDop2R2 having all the features of D2-like receptors and BmDop2R1 being a truncated variant without the region of N-terminal to TM II. Only dopamine distinctly lowered cAMP levels in BmDop2R2-expressing cells, whereas all tested amines for BmDop2R1 had not markedly effect in pharmacological test. These suggest there is functional difference between the two genes, which are likely resulted from subfunctionalization of gene duplication.
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22
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Essential roles for Cdx in murine primitive hematopoiesis. Dev Biol 2017; 422:115-124. [PMID: 28065741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Cdx transcription factors play essential roles in primitive hematopoiesis in the zebrafish where they exert their effects, in part, through regulation of hox genes. Defects in hematopoiesis have also been reported in Cdx mutant murine embryonic stem cell models, however, to date no mouse model reflecting the zebrafish Cdx mutant hematopoietic phenotype has been described. This is likely due, in part, to functional redundancy among Cdx members and the early lethality of Cdx2 null mutants. To circumvent these limitations, we used Cre-mediated conditional deletion to assess the impact of concomitant loss of Cdx1 and Cdx2 on murine primitive hematopoiesis. We found that Cdx1/Cdx2 double mutants exhibited defects in primitive hematopoiesis and yolk sac vasculature concomitant with reduced expression of several genes encoding hematopoietic transcription factors including Scl/Tal1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Scl was occupied by Cdx2 in vivo, and Cdx mutant hematopoietic yolk sac differentiation defects could be rescued by expression of exogenous Scl. These findings demonstrate critical roles for Cdx members in murine primitive hematopoiesis upstream of Scl.
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23
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Kao D, Lai AG, Stamataki E, Rosic S, Konstantinides N, Jarvis E, Di Donfrancesco A, Pouchkina-Stancheva N, Sémon M, Grillo M, Bruce H, Kumar S, Siwanowicz I, Le A, Lemire A, Eisen MB, Extavour C, Browne WE, Wolff C, Averof M, Patel NH, Sarkies P, Pavlopoulos A, Aboobaker A. The genome of the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis, a model for animal development, regeneration, immunity and lignocellulose digestion. eLife 2016; 5:20062. [PMID: 27849518 PMCID: PMC5111886 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis is a blossoming model system for studies of developmental mechanisms and more recently regeneration. We have sequenced the genome allowing annotation of all key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs that will enhance ongoing functional studies. Parhyale is a member of the Malacostraca clade, which includes crustacean food crop species. We analysed the immunity related genes of Parhyale as an important comparative system for these species, where immunity related aquaculture problems have increased as farming has intensified. We also find that Parhyale and other species within Multicrustacea contain the enzyme sets necessary to perform lignocellulose digestion ('wood eating'), suggesting this ability may predate the diversification of this lineage. Our data provide an essential resource for further development of Parhyale as an experimental model. The first malacostracan genome will underpin ongoing comparative work in food crop species and research investigating lignocellulose as an energy source. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20062.001 The marine crustacean known as Parhyale hawaiensis is related to prawns, shrimps and crabs and is found at tropical coastlines around the world. This species has recently attracted scientific interest as a possible new model to study how animal embryos develop before birth and, because Parhyale can rapidly regrow lost limbs, how tissues and organs regenerate. Indeed, Parhyale has many characteristics that make it a good model organism, being small, fast-growing and easy to keep and care for in the laboratory. Several research tools have already been developed to make it easier to study Parhyale. This includes the creation of a system for using the popular gene editing technology, CRISPR, in this animal. However, one critical resource that is available for most model organisms was missing; the complete sequence of all the genetic information of this crustacean, also known as its genome, was not available. Kao, Lai, Stamataki et al. have now compiled the Parhyale genome – which is slightly larger than the human genome – and studied its genetics. Analysis revealed that Parhyale has genes that allow it to fully digest plant material. This is unusual because most animals that do this rely upon the help of bacteria. Kao, Lai, Stamataki et al. also identified genes that provide some of the first insights into the immune system of crustaceans, which protects these creatures from diseases. Kao, Lai, Stamataki et al. have provided a resource and findings that could help to establish Parhyale as a popular model organism for studying several ideas in biology, including organ regeneration and embryonic development. Understanding how Parhyale digests plant matter, for example, could progress the biofuel industry towards efficient production of greener energy. Insights from its immune system could also be adapted to make farmed shrimp and prawns more resistant to infections, boosting seafood production. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20062.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Kao
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alvina G Lai
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Stamataki
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia, United States
| | - Silvana Rosic
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Konstantinides
- Institut de Gé nomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and É cole Normale Supé rieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Erin Jarvis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | | | | | - Marie Sémon
- Institut de Gé nomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and É cole Normale Supé rieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marco Grillo
- Institut de Gé nomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and É cole Normale Supé rieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Heather Bruce
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Suyash Kumar
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia, United States
| | - Igor Siwanowicz
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia, United States
| | - Andy Le
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia, United States
| | - Andrew Lemire
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia, United States
| | - Michael B Eisen
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Cassandra Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - William E Browne
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, United States
| | - Carsten Wolff
- Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut fur Biologie,Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michalis Averof
- Institut de Gé nomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and É cole Normale Supé rieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nipam H Patel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Peter Sarkies
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aziz Aboobaker
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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24
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Msx1 and Msx2 function together in the regulation of primordial germ cell migration in the mouse. Dev Biol 2016; 417:11-24. [PMID: 27435625 PMCID: PMC5407493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are a highly migratory cell population that gives rise to eggs and sperm. Much is known about PGC specification, but less about the processes that control PGC migration. In this study, we document a deficiency in PGC development in embryos carrying global homozygous null mutations in Msx1 and Msx2, both immediate downstream effectors of Bmp signaling pathway. We show that Msx1−/−;Msx2−/− mutant embryos have defects in PGC migration as well as a reduced number of PGCs. These phenotypes are also evident in a Mesp1-Cre-mediated mesoderm-specific mutant line of Msx1 and Msx2. Since PGCs are not marked in Mesp1-lineage tracing, our results suggest that Msx1 and Msx2 function cell non-autonomously in directing PGC migration. Consistent with this hypothesis, we noted an upregulation of fibronectin, well known as a mediator of cell migration, in tissues through which PGCs migrate. We also noted a reduction in the expression of Wnt5a and an increase in the expression in Bmp4 in such tissues in Msx1−/−;Msx2−/− mutants, both known effectors of PGC development.
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25
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Ferrier DEK. Evolution of Homeobox Gene Clusters in Animals: The Giga-Cluster and Primary vs. Secondary Clustering. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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26
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Zhao Y, Gao P, Li W, Zhang Y, Xu K, Guo X, Li B, Cao G. Study on the Developmental Expression ofLbx1Gene inLongissimus Dorsiof Mashen and Large White Pigs. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2015.3720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Kenny NJ, Chan KW, Nong W, Qu Z, Maeso I, Yip HY, Chan TF, Kwan HS, Holland PWH, Chu KH, Hui JHL. Ancestral whole-genome duplication in the marine chelicerate horseshoe crabs. Heredity (Edinb) 2016; 116:190-9. [PMID: 26419336 PMCID: PMC4806888 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2015.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome duplication (WGD) results in new genomic resources that can be exploited by evolution for rewiring genetic regulatory networks in organisms. In metazoans, WGD occurred before the last common ancestor of vertebrates, and has been postulated as a major evolutionary force that contributed to their speciation and diversification of morphological structures. Here, we have sequenced genomes from three of the four extant species of horseshoe crabs-Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Limulus polyphemus and Tachypleus tridentatus. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses of their Hox and other homeobox genes, which encode crucial transcription factors and have been used as indicators of WGD in animals, strongly suggests that WGD happened before the last common ancestor of these marine chelicerates >135 million years ago. Signatures of subfunctionalisation of paralogues of Hox genes are revealed in the appendages of two species of horseshoe crabs. Further, residual homeobox pseudogenes are observed in the three lineages. The existence of WGD in the horseshoe crabs, noted for relative morphological stasis over geological time, suggests that genomic diversity need not always be reflected phenotypically, in contrast to the suggested situation in vertebrates. This study provides evidence of ancient WGD in the ecdysozoan lineage, and reveals new opportunities for studying genomic and regulatory evolution after WGD in the Metazoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Kenny
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
| | - K W Chan
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
| | - W Nong
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
| | - Z Qu
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
| | - I Maeso
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del
Desarrollo (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas/Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla,
Spain
| | - H Y Yip
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
| | - T F Chan
- School of Life Sciences, Center of
Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - H S Kwan
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese
University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - P W H Holland
- Department of Zoology, University of
Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - K H Chu
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - J H L Hui
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Center of Soybean Research, State Key Laboratory of
Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin,
Hong Kong
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28
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Holland PWH. Did homeobox gene duplications contribute to the Cambrian explosion? ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2015; 1:1. [PMID: 26605046 PMCID: PMC4604119 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-014-0004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Cambrian explosion describes an apparently rapid increase in the diversity of bilaterian animals around 540-515 million years ago. Bilaterian animals explore the world in three-dimensions deploying forward-facing sense organs, a brain, and an anterior mouth; they possess muscle blocks enabling efficient crawling and burrowing in sediments, and they typically have an efficient 'through-gut' with separate mouth and anus to process bulk food and eject waste, even when burrowing in sediment. A variety of ecological, environmental, genetic, and developmental factors have been proposed as possible triggers and correlates of the Cambrian explosion, and it is likely that a combination of factors were involved. Here, I focus on a set of developmental genetic changes and propose these are part of the mix of permissive factors. I describe how ANTP-class homeobox genes, which encode transcription factors involved in body patterning, increased in number in the bilaterian stem lineage and earlier. These gene duplications generated a large array of ANTP class genes, including three distinct gene clusters called NK, Hox, and ParaHox. Comparative data supports the idea that NK genes were deployed primarily to pattern the bilaterian mesoderm, Hox genes coded position along the central nervous system, and ParaHox genes most likely originally specified the mouth, midgut, and anus of the newly evolved through-gut. It is proposed that diversification of ANTP class genes played a role in the Cambrian explosion by contributing to the patterning systems used to build animal bodies capable of high-energy directed locomotion, including active burrowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W H Holland
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS UK
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29
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Chipman AD, Ferrier DEK, Brena C, Qu J, Hughes DST, Schröder R, Torres-Oliva M, Znassi N, Jiang H, Almeida FC, Alonso CR, Apostolou Z, Aqrawi P, Arthur W, Barna JCJ, Blankenburg KP, Brites D, Capella-Gutiérrez S, Coyle M, Dearden PK, Du Pasquier L, Duncan EJ, Ebert D, Eibner C, Erikson G, Evans PD, Extavour CG, Francisco L, Gabaldón T, Gillis WJ, Goodwin-Horn EA, Green JE, Griffiths-Jones S, Grimmelikhuijzen CJP, Gubbala S, Guigó R, Han Y, Hauser F, Havlak P, Hayden L, Helbing S, Holder M, Hui JHL, Hunn JP, Hunnekuhl VS, Jackson L, Javaid M, Jhangiani SN, Jiggins FM, Jones TE, Kaiser TS, Kalra D, Kenny NJ, Korchina V, Kovar CL, Kraus FB, Lapraz F, Lee SL, Lv J, Mandapat C, Manning G, Mariotti M, Mata R, Mathew T, Neumann T, Newsham I, Ngo DN, Ninova M, Okwuonu G, Ongeri F, Palmer WJ, Patil S, Patraquim P, Pham C, Pu LL, Putman NH, Rabouille C, Ramos OM, Rhodes AC, Robertson HE, Robertson HM, Ronshaugen M, Rozas J, Saada N, Sánchez-Gracia A, Scherer SE, Schurko AM, Siggens KW, Simmons D, Stief A, Stolle E, Telford MJ, Tessmar-Raible K, Thornton R, van der Zee M, von Haeseler A, Williams JM, Willis JH, Wu Y, Zou X, Lawson D, Muzny DM, Worley KC, Gibbs RA, Akam M, Richards S. The first myriapod genome sequence reveals conservative arthropod gene content and genome organisation in the centipede Strigamia maritima. PLoS Biol 2014; 12:e1002005. [PMID: 25423365 PMCID: PMC4244043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myriapods (e.g., centipedes and millipedes) display a simple homonomous body plan relative to other arthropods. All members of the class are terrestrial, but they attained terrestriality independently of insects. Myriapoda is the only arthropod class not represented by a sequenced genome. We present an analysis of the genome of the centipede Strigamia maritima. It retains a compact genome that has undergone less gene loss and shuffling than previously sequenced arthropods, and many orthologues of genes conserved from the bilaterian ancestor that have been lost in insects. Our analysis locates many genes in conserved macro-synteny contexts, and many small-scale examples of gene clustering. We describe several examples where S. maritima shows different solutions from insects to similar problems. The insect olfactory receptor gene family is absent from S. maritima, and olfaction in air is likely effected by expansion of other receptor gene families. For some genes S. maritima has evolved paralogues to generate coding sequence diversity, where insects use alternate splicing. This is most striking for the Dscam gene, which in Drosophila generates more than 100,000 alternate splice forms, but in S. maritima is encoded by over 100 paralogues. We see an intriguing linkage between the absence of any known photosensory proteins in a blind organism and the additional absence of canonical circadian clock genes. The phylogenetic position of myriapods allows us to identify where in arthropod phylogeny several particular molecular mechanisms and traits emerged. For example, we conclude that juvenile hormone signalling evolved with the emergence of the exoskeleton in the arthropods and that RR-1 containing cuticle proteins evolved in the lineage leading to Mandibulata. We also identify when various gene expansions and losses occurred. The genome of S. maritima offers us a unique glimpse into the ancestral arthropod genome, while also displaying many adaptations to its specific life history. Arthropods are the most abundant animals on earth. Among them, insects clearly dominate on land, whereas crustaceans hold the title for the most diverse invertebrates in the oceans. Much is known about the biology of these groups, not least because of genomic studies of the fruit fly Drosophila, the water flea Daphnia, and other species used in research. Here we report the first genome sequence from a species belonging to a lineage that has previously received very little attention—the myriapods. Myriapods were among the first arthropods to invade the land over 400 million years ago, and survive today as the herbivorous millipedes and venomous centipedes, one of which—Strigamia maritima—we have sequenced here. We find that the genome of this centipede retains more characteristics of the presumed arthropod ancestor than other sequenced insect genomes. The genome provides access to many aspects of myriapod biology that have not been studied before, suggesting, for example, that they have diversified receptors for smell that are quite different from those used by insects. In addition, it shows specific consequences of the largely subterranean life of this particular species, which seems to have lost the genes for all known light-sensing molecules, even though it still avoids light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel D. Chipman
- The Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David E. K. Ferrier
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Brena
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jiaxin Qu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniel S. T. Hughes
- EMBL - European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Reinhard Schröder
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Abt. Genetik, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Nadia Znassi
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Huaiyang Jiang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Francisca C. Almeida
- Departament de Genètica and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Claudio R. Alonso
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Zivkos Apostolou
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Peshtewani Aqrawi
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wallace Arthur
- Department of Zoology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Kerstin P. Blankenburg
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniela Brites
- Evolutionsbiologie, Zoologisches Institut, Universität Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcus Coyle
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter K. Dearden
- Gravida and Genetics Otago, Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Louis Du Pasquier
- Evolutionsbiologie, Zoologisches Institut, Universität Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth J. Duncan
- Gravida and Genetics Otago, Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Evolutionsbiologie, Zoologisches Institut, Universität Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelius Eibner
- Department of Zoology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Galina Erikson
- Razavi Newman Center for Bioinformatics, Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | | - Cassandra G. Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Liezl Francisco
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - William J. Gillis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Jack E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Griffiths-Jones
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sai Gubbala
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roderic Guigó
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yi Han
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Havlak
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Luke Hayden
- Department of Zoology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sophie Helbing
- Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Holder
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jerome H. L. Hui
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Julia P. Hunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera S. Hunnekuhl
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - LaRonda Jackson
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mehwish Javaid
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shalini N. Jhangiani
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Francis M. Jiggins
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin E. Jones
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tobias S. Kaiser
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Divya Kalra
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathan J. Kenny
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Viktoriya Korchina
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christie L. Kovar
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - F. Bernhard Kraus
- Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - François Lapraz
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra L. Lee
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jie Lv
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christigale Mandapat
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gerard Manning
- Razavi Newman Center for Bioinformatics, Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Marco Mariotti
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert Mata
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tittu Mathew
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tobias Neumann
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Newsham
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dinh N. Ngo
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Ninova
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Okwuonu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Fiona Ongeri
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William J. Palmer
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shobha Patil
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pedro Patraquim
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Pham
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ling-Ling Pu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas H. Putman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Catherine Rabouille
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olivia Mendivil Ramos
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Adelaide C. Rhodes
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, United States of America
| | - Helen E. Robertson
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh M. Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Matthew Ronshaugen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Julio Rozas
- Departament de Genètica and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nehad Saada
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Gracia
- Departament de Genètica and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Steven E. Scherer
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew M. Schurko
- Department of Biology, Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W. Siggens
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - DeNard Simmons
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anna Stief
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Eckart Stolle
- Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Maximilian J. Telford
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Tessmar-Raible
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Marine Rhythms of Life”, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Thornton
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Arndt von Haeseler
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - James M. Williams
- Department of Biology, Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Judith H. Willis
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yuanqing Wu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xiaoyan Zou
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniel Lawson
- EMBL - European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Donna M. Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kim C. Worley
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael Akam
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lopes-Marques M, Cunha I, Reis-Henriques MA, Santos MM, Castro LFC. Diversity and history of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (Acsl) gene family in vertebrates. BMC Evol Biol 2013; 13:271. [PMID: 24330521 PMCID: PMC3890633 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-13-271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acids, a considerable fraction of lipid molecules, participate in fundamental physiological processes. They undergo activation into their corresponding CoA esters for oxidation or esterification into complex lipids (e.g. triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol esters), a process that is carried out by acyl-CoA synthases (ACS). Here we analyze the evolution of the gene family encoding for the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (Acsl) in vertebrates. RESULTS By means of phylogenetics and comparative genomics we show that genome duplications (2R) generated the diversity of Acsl genes in extant vertebrate lineages. In the vertebrate ancestor two separate genes originated the current Acsl1/5/6 and the Acsl3/4 gene families, and the extra gene duplicates in teleosts are a consequence of the teleost specific third round of genome duplication (3R). Moreover, the diversity of Acsl family members is broader than anticipated. Our strategy uncovered a novel uncharacterized Acsl-like gene found in teleosts, spotted gar, coelacanth and possibly lamprey, which we designate Acsl2. The detailed analysis of the Acsl2 teleost gene locus strongly supports the conclusion that it corresponds to a retained 2R paralogue, lost in tetrapods. CONCLUSIONS We provide here the first evolutionary analysis of the Acsl gene family in vertebrates, showing the specific contribution of 2R/3R to the diversity of this gene family. We find also that the division of ACSL enzymes into two groups predates at least the emergence of deuterostomes. Our study indicates that genome duplications significantly contributed to the elaboration of fatty acid activation metabolism in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, CIMAR Associate Laboratory, UPorto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Soshnikova N. Hox genes regulation in vertebrates. Dev Dyn 2013; 243:49-58. [PMID: 23832853 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode transcription factors defining cellular identities along the major and secondary body axes. Their coordinated expression in both space and time is critical for embryonic patterning. Accordingly, Hox genes transcription is tightly controlled at multiple levels, and involves an intricate combination of local and long-range cis-regulatory elements. Recent studies revealed that in addition to transcription factors, dynamic patterns of histone marks and higher-order chromatin structure are important determinants of Hox gene regulation. Furthermore, the emerging picture suggests an involvement of various species of non-coding RNA in targeting activating and repressive complexes to Hox clusters. I review these recent developments and discuss their relevance to the control of Hox gene expression in vivo, as well as to our understanding of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
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Cruciat CM, Niehrs C. Secreted and transmembrane wnt inhibitors and activators. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2013; 5:a015081. [PMID: 23085770 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a015081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signaling by the Wnt family of secreted glycoproteins plays important roles in embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Wnt signaling is modulated by a number of evolutionarily conserved inhibitors and activators. Wnt inhibitors belong to small protein families, including sFRP, Dkk, WIF, Wise/SOST, Cerberus, IGFBP, Shisa, Waif1, APCDD1, and Tiki1. Their common feature is to antagonize Wnt signaling by preventing ligand-receptor interactions or Wnt receptor maturation. Conversely, the Wnt activators, R-spondin and Norrin, promote Wnt signaling by binding to Wnt receptors or releasing a Wnt-inhibitory step. With few exceptions, these antagonists and agonists are not pure Wnt modulators, but also affect additional signaling pathways, such as TGF-β and FGF signaling. Here we discuss their interactions with Wnt ligands and Wnt receptors, their role in developmental processes, as well as their implication in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Maria Cruciat
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Holland PWH. Evolution of homeobox genes. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 2:31-45. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Hui JHL, McDougall C, Monteiro AS, Holland PWH, Arendt D, Balavoine G, Ferrier DEK. Extensive chordate and annelid macrosynteny reveals ancestral homeobox gene organization. Mol Biol Evol 2011; 29:157-65. [PMID: 21727239 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msr175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes with the homeobox motif are crucial in developmental biology and widely implicated in the evolution of development. The Antennapedia (ANTP)-class is one of the two major classes of animal homeobox genes, and includes the Hox genes, renowned for their role in patterning the anterior-posterior axis of animals. The origin and evolution of the ANTP-class genes are a matter of some debate. A principal guiding hypothesis has been the existence of an ancient gene Mega-cluster deep in animal ancestry. This hypothesis was largely established from linkage data from chordates, and the Mega-cluster hypothesis remains to be seriously tested in protostomes. We have thus mapped ANTP-class homeobox genes to the chromosome level in a lophotrochozoan protostome. Our comparison of gene organization in Platynereis dumerilii and chordates indicates that the Mega-cluster, if it did exist, had already been broken up onto four chromosomes by the time of the protostome-deuterostome ancestor (PDA). These results not only elucidate an aspect of the genome organization of the PDA but also reveal high levels of macrosynteny between P. dumerilii and chordates. This implies a very low rate of interchromosomal genome rearrangement in the lineages leading to P. dumerilii and the chordate ancestor since the time of the PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome H L Hui
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Castro LFC, Wilson JM, Gonçalves O, Galante-Oliveira S, Rocha E, Cunha I. The evolutionary history of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene family in vertebrates. BMC Evol Biol 2011; 11:132. [PMID: 21595943 PMCID: PMC3112091 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-11-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Filipe C Castro
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), CIMAR Associate Laboratory, University of Porto, Portugal.
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Abstract
The homeodomain is a protein domain of about 60 amino acids that is encoded by homeobox genes. The homeodomain is a DNA binding domain, and hence homeodomain proteins are essentially transcription factors (TFs). They have been shown to play major roles in many developmental processes of animals, as well as fungi and plants. A primary function of homeodomain proteins is to regulate the expression of other genes in development and differentiation. Thousands of homeobox genes have been identified, and they can be grouped into many different classes. Often other conserved protein domains are found linked to a homeodomain. Several particular types of homeobox genes are organized into chromosomal clusters. The best-known cluster, the HOX cluster, is found in all bilaterian animals. Tetrapods contain four HOX clusters that arose through duplication in early vertebrate evolution. The genes in these clusters are called Hox genes. Lower chordates, insects and nematodes tend to have only one HOX cluster. Of particular interest is that many of the HOX cluster genes function in the process of pattern formation along the anterior-posterior body axis. Many other types of homeodomain proteins play roles in the determination of cell fates and cell differentiation. Homeobox genes thus perform key roles for all aspects of the development of an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Bürglin
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, and Center for Biosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Hälsovägen 7, Novum, SE 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden,
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Ryan JF, Pang K, Mullikin JC, Martindale MQ, Baxevanis AD. The homeodomain complement of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi suggests that Ctenophora and Porifera diverged prior to the ParaHoxozoa. EvoDevo 2010; 1:9. [PMID: 20920347 PMCID: PMC2959044 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-1-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The much-debated phylogenetic relationships of the five early branching metazoan lineages (Bilateria, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Placozoa and Porifera) are of fundamental importance in piecing together events that occurred early in animal evolution. Comparisons of gene content between organismal lineages have been identified as a potentially useful methodology for phylogenetic reconstruction. However, these comparisons require complete genomes that, until now, did not exist for the ctenophore lineage. The homeobox superfamily of genes is particularly suited for these kinds of gene content comparisons, since it is large, diverse, and features a highly conserved domain. Results We have used a next-generation sequencing approach to generate a high-quality rough draft of the genome of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and subsequently identified a set of 76 homeobox-containing genes from this draft. We phylogenetically categorized this set into established gene families and classes and then compared this set to the homeodomain repertoire of species from the other four early branching metazoan lineages. We have identified several important classes and subclasses of homeodomains that appear to be absent from Mnemiopsis and from the poriferan Amphimedon queenslandica. We have also determined that, based on lineage-specific paralog retention and average branch lengths, it is unlikely that these missing classes and subclasses are due to extensive gene loss or unusually high rates of evolution in Mnemiopsis. Conclusions This paper provides a first glimpse of the first sequenced ctenophore genome. We have characterized the full complement of Mnemiopsis homeodomains from this species and have compared them to species from other early branching lineages. Our results suggest that Porifera and Ctenophora were the first two extant lineages to diverge from the rest of animals. Based on this analysis, we also propose a new name - ParaHoxozoa - for the remaining group that includes Placozoa, Cnidaria and Bilateria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Ryan
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Mazza ME, Pang K, Reitzel AM, Martindale MQ, Finnerty JR. A conserved cluster of three PRD-class homeobox genes (homeobrain, rx and orthopedia) in the Cnidaria and Protostomia. EvoDevo 2010; 1:3. [PMID: 20849646 PMCID: PMC2938728 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-1-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Homeobox genes are a superclass of transcription factors with diverse developmental regulatory functions, which are found in plants, fungi and animals. In animals, several Antennapedia (ANTP)-class homeobox genes reside in extremely ancient gene clusters (for example, the Hox, ParaHox, and NKL clusters) and the evolution of these clusters has been implicated in the morphological diversification of animal bodyplans. By contrast, similarly ancient gene clusters have not been reported among the other classes of homeobox genes (that is, the LIM, POU, PRD and SIX classes). Results Using a combination of in silico queries and phylogenetic analyses, we found that a cluster of three PRD-class homeobox genes (Homeobrain (hbn), Rax (rx) and Orthopedia (otp)) is present in cnidarians, insects and mollusks (a partial cluster comprising hbn and rx is present in the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens). We failed to identify this 'HRO' cluster in deuterostomes; in fact, the Homeobrain gene appears to be missing from the chordate genomes we examined, although it is present in hemichordates and echinoderms. To illuminate the ancestral organization and function of this ancient cluster, we mapped the constituent genes against the assembled genome of a model cnidarian, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, and characterized their spatiotemporal expression using in situ hybridization. In N. vectensis, these genes reside in a span of 33 kb with the same gene order as previously reported in insects. Comparisons of genomic sequences and expressed sequence tags revealed the presence of alternative transcripts of Nv-otp and two highly unusual protein-coding polymorphisms in the terminal helix of the Nv-rx homeodomain. A population genetic survey revealed the Rx polymorphisms to be widespread in natural populations. During larval development, all three genes are expressed in the ectoderm, in non-overlapping territories along the oral-aboral axis, with distinct temporal expression. Conclusion We report the first evidence for a PRD-class homeobox cluster that appears to have been conserved since the time of the cnidarian-bilaterian ancestor, and possibly even earlier, given the presence of a partial cluster in the placozoan Trichoplax. Very similar clusters comprising these three genes exist in Nematostella and diverse protostomes. Interestingly, in chordates, one member of the ancestral cluster (homeobrain) has apparently been lost, and there is no linkage between rx and orthopedia in any of the vertebrates. In Nematostella, the spatial expression of these three genes along the body column is not colinear with their physical order in the cluster but the temporal expression is, therefore, using the terminology that has been applied to the Hox cluster genes, the HRO cluster would appear to exhibit temporal but not spatial colinearity. It remains to be seen whether the mechanisms responsible for the evolutionary conservation of the HRO cluster are the same mechanisms responsible for cohesion of the Hox cluster and other ANTP-class homeobox clusters that have been widely conserved throughout animal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen E Mazza
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kevin Pang
- Kewalo Marine Lab, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 41 Ahui St., Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Adam M Reitzel
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Mark Q Martindale
- Kewalo Marine Lab, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 41 Ahui St., Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - John R Finnerty
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Abstract
The Cdx (Caudal-type homeobox) group of ParaHox genes (Cdx1, Cdx2 and Cdx4 in the mouse) perform multiple functions in mammalian development. Cdx1 is concerned with axial positional information, and its deletion appears to have no important effect other than a disturbance of axial patterning. In contrast, Cdx2 is required for trophoblast differentiation, axial patterning and extension, as well as for morphological specification (i.e. patterning) of gut endoderm. Cdx4-knockout animals do not present an abnormal phenotype, but, when combined with Cdx2 haploinsufficiency, present a dramatic picture involving abnormal cloacal specification. The latter is probably due in large part to defective paraxial mesodermal development in the caudal region, but may also involve defective endodermal growth. A significant degree of redundancy is apparent between the Cdx genes with respect to caudal extension and possibly also during gut development.
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Mulley JF, Holland PWH. Parallel retention of Pdx2 genes in cartilaginous fish and coelacanths. Mol Biol Evol 2010; 27:2386-91. [PMID: 20463047 PMCID: PMC2944030 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msq121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pdx1 or Ipf1 gene encodes an important homeodomain-containing protein with key roles in pancreas development and function. Mutations in human PDX1 are implicated in developmental defects and disease of the pancreas. Extensive research, including genome sequencing, has indicated that Pdx1 is the only member of its gene family in mammals, birds, amphibians, and ray-finned fish, and with the exception of teleost fish, this gene forms part of the ParaHox gene cluster along with Gsx1 and Cdx2. The ParaHox cluster, however, is a remnant of a 4-fold genome duplication; the three other ParaHox paralogues lack a Pdx-like gene in all vertebrate genomes examined to date. We have used bacterial artificial chromosome cloning and synteny analysis to show that the ancestor of living jawed vertebrates in fact had more ParaHox genes, including two Pdx genes (Pdx1 and Pdx2). Surprisingly, the two Pdx genes have been retained in parallel in two quite distantly related lineages, the cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates, and chimeras) and the Indonesian coelacanth, Latimeria menadoensis. The Pdx2 gene has been lost independently in ray-finned fish and in tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Mulley
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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41
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Wotton KR, Weierud FK, Juárez-Morales JL, Alvares LE, Dietrich S, Lewis KE. Conservation of gene linkage in dispersed vertebrate NK homeobox clusters. Dev Genes Evol 2010; 219:481-96. [PMID: 20112453 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-009-0311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nk homeobox genes are important regulators of many different developmental processes including muscle, heart, central nervous system and sensory organ development. They are thought to have arisen as part of the ANTP megacluster, which also gave rise to Hox and ParaHox genes, and at least some NK genes remain tightly linked in all animals examined so far. The protostome-deuterostome ancestor probably contained a cluster of nine Nk genes: (Msx)-(Nk4/tinman)-(Nk3/bagpipe)-(Lbx/ladybird)-(Tlx/c15)-(Nk7)-(Nk6/hgtx)-(Nk1/slouch)-(Nk5/Hmx). Of these genes, only NKX2.6-NKX3.1, LBX1-TLX1 and LBX2-TLX2 remain tightly linked in humans. However, it is currently unclear whether this is unique to the human genome as we do not know which of these Nk genes are clustered in other vertebrates. This makes it difficult to assess whether the remaining linkages are due to selective pressures or because chance rearrangements have "missed" certain genes. In this paper, we identify all of the paralogs of these ancestrally clustered NK genes in several distinct vertebrates. We demonstrate that tight linkages of Lbx1-Tlx1, Lbx2-Tlx2 and Nkx3.1-Nkx2.6 have been widely maintained in both the ray-finned and lobe-finned fish lineages. Moreover, the recently duplicated Hmx2-Hmx3 genes are also tightly linked. Finally, we show that Lbx1-Tlx1 and Hmx2-Hmx3 are flanked by highly conserved noncoding elements, suggesting that shared regulatory regions may have resulted in evolutionary pressure to maintain these linkages. Consistent with this, these pairs of genes have overlapping expression domains. In contrast, Lbx2-Tlx2 and Nkx3.1-Nkx2.6, which do not seem to be coexpressed, are also not associated with conserved noncoding sequences, suggesting that an alternative mechanism may be responsible for the continued clustering of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl R Wotton
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King's College London, Floor 27 Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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Deutsch JS. Homeosis and Beyond. What Is the Function of the Hox Genes? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 689:155-65. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6673-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Voss AK, Collin C, Dixon MP, Thomas T. Moz and retinoic acid coordinately regulate H3K9 acetylation, Hox gene expression, and segment identity. Dev Cell 2009; 17:674-86. [PMID: 19922872 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We report that embryos deficient in the histone acetyltransferase Moz (Myst3/Kat6a) show histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) hypoacetylation, corresponding H3K9 hypermethylation, and reduced transcription at Hox gene loci. Consistent with an observed caudal shift in Hox gene expression, segment identity is shifted anteriorly, such that Moz-deficient mice show a profound homeotic transformation of the axial skeleton and the nervous system. Intriguingly, histone acetylation defects are relatively specific to H3K9 at Hox loci, as neither Hox H3K14 acetylation nor bulk H3K9 acetylation levels throughout the genome are strongly affected; H4K16 acetylation actually increases in the absence of Moz. H3K9 hypoacetylation, Hox gene repression, and the homeotic transformation caused by lack of Moz are all reversed by treatment with retinoic acid (RA). In conclusion, our data show that Moz regulates H3K9 acetylation at Hox gene loci and that RA can act independently of Moz to establish specific Hox gene expression boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Voss
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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EHGbox in the clitellate Perionyx excavatus. Biochem Genet 2009; 47:843-9. [PMID: 19669405 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-009-9283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Shimeld SM, Degnan B, Luke GN. Evolutionary genomics of the Fox genes: origin of gene families and the ancestry of gene clusters. Genomics 2009; 95:256-60. [PMID: 19679177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade genomic approaches have begun to revolutionise the study of animal diversity. In particular, genome sequencing programmes have spread beyond the traditional model species to encompass an increasing diversity of animals from many different phyla, as well as unicellular eukaryotes that are closely related to the animals. Whole genome sequences allow researchers to establish, with reasonable confidence, the full complement of any particular family of genes in a genome. Comparison of gene complements from appropriate genomes can reveal the evolutionary history of gene families, indicating when both gene diversification and gene loss have occurred. More than that, however, assembled genomes allow the genomic environment in which individual genes are found to be analysed and compared between species. This can reveal how gene diversification occurred. Here, we focus on the Fox genes, drawing from multiple animal genomes to develop an evolutionary framework explaining the timing and mechanism of origin of the diversity of animal Fox genes. Ancient linkages between genes are a prominent feature of the Fox genes, depicting a history of gene clusters, some of which may be relevant to understanding Fox gene function.
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Abstract
Abstract The ParaHox genes comprise three Hox-related homeobox gene families, found throughout the animals. They were first discovered in the invertebrate chordate amphioxus, where they are tightly clustered. In this paper we carry out a comparative review of ParaHox gene cluster organization among the deuterostomes, and discuss how the recently published hagfish ParaHox clusters fit into current theories about the evolution of this group of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Furlong
- Department of Zoology, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX13PS, UK.
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48
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Finnerty JR, Mazza ME, Jezewski PA. Domain duplication, divergence, and loss events in vertebrate Msx paralogs reveal phylogenomically informed disease markers. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:18. [PMID: 19154605 PMCID: PMC2655272 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Msx originated early in animal evolution and is implicated in human genetic disorders. To reconstruct the functional evolution of Msx and inform the study of human mutations, we analyzed the phylogeny and synteny of 46 metazoan Msx proteins and tracked the duplication, diversification and loss of conserved motifs. Results Vertebrate Msx sequences sort into distinct Msx1, Msx2 and Msx3 clades. The sister-group relationship between MSX1 and MSX2 reflects their derivation from the 4p/5q chromosomal paralogon, a derivative of the original "MetaHox" cluster. We demonstrate physical linkage between Msx and other MetaHox genes (Hmx, NK1, Emx) in a cnidarian. Seven conserved domains, including two Groucho repression domains (N- and C-terminal), were present in the ancestral Msx. In cnidarians, the Groucho domains are highly similar. In vertebrate Msx1, the N-terminal Groucho domain is conserved, while the C-terminal domain diverged substantially, implying a novel function. In vertebrate Msx2 and Msx3, the C-terminal domain was lost. MSX1 mutations associated with ectodermal dysplasia or orofacial clefting disorders map to conserved domains in a non-random fashion. Conclusion Msx originated from a MetaHox ancestor that also gave rise to Tlx, Demox, NK, and possibly EHGbox, Hox and ParaHox genes. Duplication, divergence or loss of domains played a central role in the functional evolution of Msx. Duplicated domains allow pleiotropically expressed proteins to evolve new functions without disrupting existing interaction networks. Human missense sequence variants reside within evolutionarily conserved domains, likely disrupting protein function. This phylogenomic evaluation of candidate disease markers will inform clinical and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Finnerty
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Abbasi AA. Are we degenerate tetraploids? More genomes, new facts. Biol Direct 2008; 3:50. [PMID: 19077184 PMCID: PMC2615429 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-3-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Within the bilaterians, the appearance and evolution of vertebrates is accompanied by enormous changes in anatomical, morphological and developmental features. This evolution of increased complexity has been associated with two genome duplications (2R hypothesis) at the origin of vertebrates. However, in spite of extensive debate the validity of the 2R hypothesis remains controversial. The paucity of sequence data in early years of genomic era was an intrinsic obstacle in tracking the genome evolutionary history of chordates. Hypothesis In this article I review the 2R hypothesis by taking into account the recent availability of genomic sequence data for an expanding range of animals. I argue here that genetic architecture of lower metazoans and representatives of major vertebrate and invertebrate lineages provides no support for the hypothesis relating the origin of vertebrates with widespread gene or genome duplications. Conclusion It appears that much of the genomic complexity of modern vertebrates is very ancient likely predating the origin of chordates or even the Bilaterian-Nonbilaterian divergence. The origin and evolution of vertebrates is partly accompanied by an increase in gene number. However, neither can we take this subtle increase in gene number as an only causative factor for evolution of phenotypic complexity in modern vertebrates nor we can take it as a reflection of polyplodization events early in their history. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Eugene Koonin, Joshua Cherry (nominated by David Lipman), and Jerzy Jurka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ali Abbasi
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Schierwater B, Kamm K, Srivastava M, Rokhsar D, Rosengarten RD, Dellaporta SL. The early ANTP gene repertoire: insights from the placozoan genome. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2457. [PMID: 18716659 PMCID: PMC2515636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of ANTP genes in the Metazoa has been the subject of conflicting hypotheses derived from full or partial gene sequences and genomic organization in higher animals. Whole genome sequences have recently filled in some crucial gaps for the basal metazoan phyla Cnidaria and Porifera. Here we analyze the complete genome of Trichoplax adhaerens, representing the basal metazoan phylum Placozoa, for its set of ANTP class genes. The Trichoplax genome encodes representatives of Hox/ParaHox-like, NKL, and extended Hox genes. This repertoire possibly mirrors the condition of a hypothetical cnidarian-bilaterian ancestor. The evolution of the cnidarian and bilaterian ANTP gene repertoires can be deduced by a limited number of cis-duplications of NKL and “extended Hox” genes and the presence of a single ancestral “ProtoHox” gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Schierwater
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Stiftung Tieraerztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kai Kamm
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Stiftung Tieraerztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Mansi Srivastava
- Center for Integrative Genomics and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel Rokhsar
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California, United States of America
- Center for Integrative Genomics and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Rafael D. Rosengarten
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Stephen L. Dellaporta
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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