Kruppel-like factor/specificity protein evolution in the Spiralia and the implications for cephalopod visual system novelties.

ABSTRACT: The cephalopod visual system is an exquisite example of convergence in biological complexity. However, we have little understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underpinning its elaboration. The generation of new genetic material is considered a significant contributor to the evolution of biological novelty. We sought to understand if this mechanism may be contributing to cephalopod-specific visual system novelties. Specifically, we identified duplications in the Krüppel-like factor/specificity protein (KLF/SP) sub-family of C2H2 zinc-finger transcription factors in the squid Doryteuthis pealeii. We cloned and analysed gene expression of the KLF/SP family, including two paralogs of the DpSP6-9 gene. These duplicates showed overlapping expression domains but one par

SUBMITTER: McCulloch KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7661307 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature