Arthropod Pax Gene Evolution: A Role for Vanessa Cardui Twin of Eyeless in Eye Development.

ABSTRACT: Pax genes encode transcription factors involved in diverse processes. First identified in Drosophila, they have been found throughout the animal kingdom, suggesting highly conserved functions. Pax proteins are defined by a DNA-binding PRD domain along with variable presence of a homeodomain and octapeptide motif. Although some Pax genes have been studied in selected arthropod groups, less is known about phylogenetic relationships among arthropod Pax genes. Here, we analyzed their distribution and classification and established the painted lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui, to study Pax gene expression and function. Our phylogenetic analysis grouped arthropod Pax genes into 6 clades: Pax3/7, Pax1/9, Poxn, Pax6-like/eyg, Pax2/5/8, and Pax4/6. This large-scale analysis confirmed that the Pax3/7

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez Ramos X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12486386 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature