Linked Life Data

19409887

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/19409887

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
2009-7-14
pubmed:abstractText
It is generally assumed that the characteristic deregionalized body plan of species with a snake-like morphology evolved through a corresponding homogenization of Hox gene expression domains along the primary axis. Here, we examine the expression of Hox genes in snake embryos and show that a collinear pattern of Hox expression is retained within the paraxial mesoderm of the trunk. Genes expressed at the anterior and most posterior, regionalized, parts of the skeleton correspond to the expected anatomical boundaries. Unexpectedly however, also the dorsal (thoracic), homogenous rib-bearing region of trunk, is regionalized by unconventional gradual anterior limits of Hox expression that are not obviously reflected in the skeletal anatomy. In the lateral plate mesoderm we also detect regionalized Hox expression yet the forelimb marker Tbx5 is not restricted to a rudimentary forelimb domain but is expressed throughout the entire flank region. Analysis of several Hox genes in a caecilian amphibian, which convergently evolved a deregionalized body plan, reveals a similar global collinear pattern of Hox expression. The differential expression of posterior, vertebra-modifying or even rib-suppressing Hox genes within the dorsal region is inconsistent with the homogeneity in vertebral identity. Our results suggest that the evolution of a deregionalized, snake-like body involved not only alterations in Hox gene cis-regulation but also a different downstream interpretation of the Hox code.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Aug
pubmed:issn
1095-564X
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:day
1
pubmed:volume
332
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
82-9
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2009
pubmed:articleTitle
Axial patterning in snakes and caecilians: evidence for an alternative interpretation of the Hox code.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 AL, Leiden, the Netherlands. jmwoltering@hotmail.com
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't