Long-read sequencing reveals increased isoform diversity in key transcription factor effectors of intercellular signalling at the invertebrate-vertebrate transition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several intercellular signalling pathways (including wingless (Wnt), hedgehog (Hh), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)) are used repeatedly in animals throughout development and evolution and are also frequent targets for disease-associated disruptions. We have previously shown that the major transcriptional effectors of β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling, the TCF/LEF proteins, in contrast to other pathway components, have a higher gene number and isoform diversity in vertebrates versus invertebrates, but this increased diversity has only been poorly quantified. Considering that isoform diversity correlates with organism complexity, any increase in major signalling effectors is likely to have made a significant contribution to vertebrate evolution.

Results

Using

SUBMITTER: Torres-Aguila NP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12865960 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature