Expression of six3 and otx in Solenogastres (Mollusca) supports an ancestral role in bilaterian anterior-posterior axis patterning.

ABSTRACT: The homeodomain transcription factors six3 and otx are involved in patterning the anterior body and parts of the central nervous system (CNS) in bilaterians. Their similar expression patterns have been used as an argument for homology of heads, brains, segmentation, and ciliated larvae. We investigated the developmental expression of six3 and otx in the aplacophoran mollusk Wirenia argentea. Six3 is expressed in subepithelial cells delimiting the apical organ of the solenogaster pericalymma larva. Otx is expressed in cells of the prototroch and adjacent regions as well as in posterior extensions of the prototrochal expression domain. Advanced larvae also show pretrochal otx expression in the developing CNS. Comparative analysis of six3 and otx expression in bilaterians argues for an ancest

SUBMITTER: Redl E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5814893 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature