Cortical cytasters: a highly conserved developmental trait of Bilateria with similarities to Ctenophora.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cytasters (cytoplasmic asters) are centriole-based nucleation centers of microtubule polymerization that are observable in large numbers in the cortical cytoplasm of the egg and zygote of bilaterian organisms. In both protostome and deuterostome taxa, cytasters have been described to develop during oogenesis from vesicles of nuclear membrane that move to the cortical cytoplasm. They become associated with several cytoplasmic components, and participate in the reorganization of cortical cytoplasm after fertilization, patterning the antero-posterior and dorso-ventral body axes.

Presentation of the hypothesis

The specific resemblances in the development of cytasters in both protostome and deuterostome taxa suggest that an independent evolutionary origin is unlikely.

SUBMITTER: Salinas-Saavedra M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3248832 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature