Acoels ,a bilaterally symmetric triploblastic worms possess a mid-ventral mouth and lack an anus. Morphology and recent molecular phylogenies place the Acoela and the nemertodermatid flatworms as basal branches of the Bilateria.
Homeodomain containing transcription factors are vital for proper development and differentiation in animals, plants and fungi. This 60 amino acid conserved DNA binding motif is found in six different class of proteins: ANTP, PRD, POU, LIM, SIX and TALE. Huge gene diversity in Antennapedia class of homeodomain proteins account for evolution of body plans, regulation… Read More »
Hox genes are expressed along the anterior-posterior (A/P) body axis in majority of animals , creating a unique A/P code which plays a pivotal role in segment specific morphogenesis. These homeodomain containing transcription factors are evolutionary conserved at the level of structure ,function and organization. This is best exemplified by their presence in clusters in… Read More »