Homeobox genes in the ribbonworm Lineus sanguineus: evolutionary implications.

ABSTRACT: From our current understanding of the genetic basis of development and pattern formation in Drosophila and vertebrates it is commonly thought that clusters of Hox genes sculpt the morphology of animals in specific body regions. Based on Hox gene conservation throughout the animal kingdom it is proposed that these genes and their role in pattern formation evolved early during the evolution of metazoans. Knowledge of the history of Hox genes will lead to a better understanding of the role of Hox genes in the evolution of animal body plans. To infer Hox gene evolution, reliable data on lower chordates and invertebrates are crucial. Among the lower triploblasts, the body plan of the ribbonworm Lineus (nemertini) appears to be close to the common ancestral condition of protostomes and deuterost

SUBMITTER: Kmita-Cunisse M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC19689 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature