Abstract
Comparative studies of the molecular control of development in diverse animal groups have revealed a surprising conservation in the genetic control of animal development. A dramatic demonstration of this conservation is seen in the expression and function of Hox genes deployed along the animal anterior-posterior (A-P) body axis, where similar expression and function of Hox genes are seen in animals as diverse as nematodes, insects and vertebrates. With the genome sequences of several metazoans now in hand and the availability of BAC genomic libraries from additional species, researchers have begun to characterize the genomic changes underlying divergent developmental programs. This review summarizes the role of Hox genes in evolution of the vertebrates. General patterns of Hox cluster evolution among the major lineages of vertebrates are described including lineage-specific instances of cluster duplication and gene loss. Following this are brief descriptions of the evolving role of Hox genes in evolution of primitive vertebrates, and their subsequent roles in evolution of vertebrate axial and appendicular diversity. A conceptual theme uniting all these studies is the remarkable plasticity of Hox genes in the evolution of vertebrate diversity. Finally, the increasingly important roles of experimental advances in genomics and bioinformatics are discussed along with suggestions for future directions in vertebrate Hox research.
Keywords: hox, vertebrate, evolution, bac, development, genomics
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
Related Books
In Vitro Propagation and Secondary Metabolite Production from Medicinal Plants: Current Trends (Part 2)
Micropropagation of Medicinal Plants
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Biotechnology and Drug Development for Targeting Human Diseases
In Vitro Propagation and Secondary Metabolite Production from Medicinal Plants: Current Trends (Part 1)
Molecular and Physiological Insights into Plant Stress Tolerance and Applications in Agriculture- Part 2
Micropropagation of Medicinal Plants
Genome Editing in Bacteria (Part 1)
Data Science for Agricultural Innovation and Productivity
Animal Models In Experimental Medicine
2