Modulation of COUP-TF expression in a cnidarian by ectopic Wnt signalling and allorecognition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COUP transcription factors are required for the regulation of gene expression underlying development, differentiation, and homeostasis. They have an evolutionarily conserved function, being a known marker for neurogenesis from cnidarians to vertebrates. A homologue of this gene was shown previously to be a neuronal and nematocyte differentiation marker in Hydra. However, COUP-TFs had not previously been studied in a colonial cnidarian.

Methodology/principal findings

We cloned a COUP-TF homologue from the colonial marine cnidarian Hydractinia echinata. Expression of the gene was analysed during normal development, allorecognition events and ectopic Wnt activation, using in situ hybridisation and quantitative PCR. During normal Hydractinia development, the gene was

SUBMITTER: Duffy DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3084292 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature