Segmentation clock gene pairing drives robust pattern formation
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ABSTRACT: Gene expression is an inherently stochastic process; however, organismal development and homeostasis require that cells spatiotemporally coordinate the expression of large sets of genes. Coexpressed gene pairs in metazoans often reside in the same chromosomal neighborhood. Gene pairs represent 10% - 50% of all genes depending on species. As correlated gene expression can be solely due to shared upstream regulators, the selective advantage of maintaining adjacent gene pairs remains unknown. We here investigated the transcriptional correlation of her1 and her7, two linked zebrafish segmentation clock genes, in multiple genetic and environmental backgrounds. By combining single-cell transcript counting, genetic engineering, real-time imaging, and computational modeling, we reveal that gene pairing boosts correlated transcription and provides phenotypic robustness for developmental pattern formation. Our results demonstrate that the confluence of gene pairing and negative feedback generates correlated transcription of a rapid developmental clock, which drives oscillations and segmentation. We anticipate that these findings will inspire investigating the advantages of gene pairing in other systems as well as engineering precise synthetic clocks in embryos and organoids.
ORGANISM(S): Danio rerio (zebrafish)
SUBMITTER: Ertugrul Ozbudak
PROVIDER: S-BSST434 | bioimages |
REPOSITORIES: bioimages
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