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Expression of the zinc finger transcription factor Sp6-9 in the velvet worm Euperipatoides kanangrensis suggests a conserved role in appendage development in Panarthropoda.

ABSTRACT: The Sp-family genes encode important transcription factors in animal development. Here we investigate the embryonic expression patterns of the complete set of Sp-genes in the velvet worm Euperipatoides kanangrensis (Onychophora), with a special focus on the Sp6-9 ortholog. In arthropods, Sp6-9, the ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster D-Sp1 gene plays a conserved role in appendage development. Our data show that the expression of Sp6-9 during the development of the velvet worm is conserved, suggesting that the key function of the Sp6-9 gene dates back to at least the last common ancestor of arthropods and onychophorans and thus likely the last common ancestor of Panarthropoda.

SUBMITTER: Janssen R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7260272 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Expression of the zinc finger transcription factor Sp6-9 in the velvet worm Euperipatoides kanangrensis suggests a conserved role in appendage development in Panarthropoda.

Janssen Ralf R Budd Graham E GE

Development genes and evolution 20200519 3

The Sp-family genes encode important transcription factors in animal development. Here we investigate the embryonic expression patterns of the complete set of Sp-genes in the velvet worm Euperipatoides kanangrensis (Onychophora), with a special focus on the Sp6-9 ortholog. In arthropods, Sp6-9, the ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster D-Sp1 gene plays a conserved role in appendage development. Our data show that the expression of Sp6-9 during the development of the velvet worm is conserved, s ...[more]

PMID: 32430690

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