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[Redeployment of the Six genes in evolution]
Christine Laclef1, Pascal Maire
1Département génétique, développement et pathologie moléculaire, Institut Cochin, Inserm U.567, CNRS 8104, Université Paris V, Saint Jacques, France. Christine.Laclef@snv.jussieu.fr
Medecine Sciences : M/S
|December 8, 2004
Summary
The Six gene family plays a conserved role in embryonic development, influencing organogenesis across species. These genes are crucial for various developmental processes, highlighting molecular conservation in evolution.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Evolution
- Genetics
Context:
- Evolutionary conservation of molecular mechanisms for patterning tasks.
- The Six gene family's homology to Drosophila sine oculis.
- Role of Six, Pax, Eya, and Dach gene families in Drosophila eye organogenesis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the conserved functions of the Six gene family in vertebrate embryogenesis.
- To explore the role of Six1 in mammalian organogenesis beyond eye development.
- To understand the functional links between Six, Eya, and Pax factors in mammalian development.
Summary:
- Members of the Six gene family, identified through homology with Drosophila sine oculis, are involved in complex gene networks regulating organogenesis.
- Six1's requirement in myogenesis, kidney, thymus, inner ear, nose, lacrimal, and salivary gland development in mammals.
- Observed phenotypes in Six1 mutants resemble those of Eya and Pax mutants, suggesting a conserved functional network in mammalian organogenesis.
Impact:
- Demonstrates a novel aspect of molecular conservation during embryogenesis.
- Highlights the conserved role of the Six gene family in diverse organ development across species.
- Suggests a conserved functional link between Six, Eya, and Pax genes in vertebrate and invertebrate development.