Comparative genomics of Lbx loci reveals conservation of identical Lbx ohnologs in bony vertebrates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lbx/ladybird genes originated as part of the metazoan cluster of Nk homeobox genes. In all animals investigated so far, both the protostome genes and the vertebrate Lbx1 genes were found to play crucial roles in neural and muscle development. Recently however, additional Lbx genes with divergent expression patterns were discovered in amniotes. Early in the evolution of vertebrates, two rounds of whole genome duplication are thought to have occurred, during which 4 Lbx genes were generated. Which of these genes were maintained in extant vertebrates, and how these genes and their functions evolved, is not known.

Results

Here we searched vertebrate genomes for Lbx genes and discovered novel members of this gene family. We also identified signature genes linked to par

SUBMITTER: Wotton KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2446394 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature