JTW's Evolutionary Origins - Authors: Shimeld, S.M.; Holland, Peter W.
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Gene Duplication in the Vertebrate Stem Lineage
"In the context of vertebrate evoltuion, it is now clear that numerous gene families expanded by gene duplication on the vertebrate stem lineage. These include gene families encoding transcription factors (Hox, ParaHox, En, Otx, Msx, Pax, Dlx, HNF3, bHLH), signalling molecules (hh, IGF, BMP), and others (dystrophin, cholinesterase, actin, keratin). In each case, vertebrates possess more copies than did the common ancestor of chordates, as inferred by comparision with amphixious and/or ascidia. The mechanism by which this duplication occurred is controversial (polyploidy, multiple gene duplications, or both), but its prevalence can hardly be disputed. Indeed, increased genetic complexity cam be validly viewed as a vertebrate innovation."(Shimeld and Holland, 2000)
- Shimeld, S.M.; Holland, Peter W.
- Vertebrate Innovations - *
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Vol. 97, No. 9, pp. 4449-4452
- April 25, 2000
- [Pubmed]
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