Transcriptome dynamics in the asexual cycle of the chordate Botryllus schlosseri.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We performed an analysis of the transcriptome during the blastogenesis of the chordate Botryllus schlosseri, focusing in particular on genes involved in cell death by apoptosis. The tunicate B. schlosseri is an ascidian forming colonies characterized by the coexistence of three blastogenetic generations: filter-feeding adults, buds on adults, and budlets on buds. Cyclically, adult tissues undergo apoptosis and are progressively resorbed and replaced by their buds originated by asexual reproduction. This is a feature of colonial tunicates, the only known chordates that can reproduce asexually.

Results

Thanks to a newly developed web-based platform ( http://botryllus.cribi.unipd.it ), we compared the transcriptomes of the mid-cycle, the pre-take-over, and the take-o

SUBMITTER: Campagna D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4818882 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature