Evolutionary innovation within conserved gene regulatory networks underlying biomineralized skeletons in Bilateria.

ABSTRACT: Biomineralized skeletons have evolved convergently across animals and exhibit remarkable diversity in structure and development. However, the evolutionary origins of gene regulatory networks underlying biomineralized skeletons remain elusive. Here, we report comprehensive developmental profiling of transcriptomic and chromatin dynamics in a bivalve mollusc, Crassostrea nippona. We provide evidence for a biphasic regulatory program orchestrating larval and adult shell formation, involving the coordinated activity of ancient transcription factors and dynamic chromatin remodeling. Comparative analyses suggest a conserved developmental toolkit was co-opted for larval exoskeleton formation in the common lophotrochozoan ancestor. In contrast, limited regulatory conservation was observed between

SUBMITTER: Bai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12862220 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature