Hox Genes and Axial Patterning in Clytia hemisphaerica
Author Information
Author(s): Chiori Roxane Jager, Muriel Denker, Elsa Wincker, Patrick Da Silva, Corinne Le Guyader, Michaël Manuel, Éric Quéinnec
Primary Institution: UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7138 CNRS UPMC MNHN IRD, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Are Hox genes ancestrally involved in axial patterning?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the Hox code and its role in axial patterning are likely innovations of bilaterians rather than conserved features in cnidarians.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that Hox genes in Clytia exhibit diverse expression patterns.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cnidarian Hox genes do not support the existence of a conserved Hox code.
- Expression of Hox genes varied significantly among different cnidarian species.
Takeaway
This study looks at how certain genes help shape the body plan of jellyfish and related creatures, showing that these genes might work differently than previously thought.
Methodology
Phylogenetic analysis and in situ hybridization were used to investigate Hox, ParaHox, and Hox-related genes in Clytia hemisphaerica.
Limitations
The study's phylogenetic analyses lack statistical robustness due to short sequences and limited sampling.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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