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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Molecular-genetic systems of development: functional dynamics and molecular evolution
K V Gunbin1, V V Suslov, N A Kolchanov
1Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. genkvg@bionet.nsc.ru
This study links adaptive gene evolution to critical changes in signaling pathway parameters. It examines the Hedgehog (Hh) and Decapentaplegic/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Dpp/BMP) pathways, crucial for development and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Evolution
- Systems Biology
Background:
- The Hedgehog (Hh) and Decapentaplegic/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Dpp/BMP) signaling pathways are fundamental to animal development and morphogenesis.
- Understanding the molecular evolution of these pathways and their parametric robustness is crucial for explaining biological complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the parametric robustness of Hh and Dpp/BMP signaling cascades.
- To investigate the link between the adaptive evolution of Hh and Dpp/BMP cascade genes and changes in their kinetic parameters.
- To correlate molecular evolution events of these genes with the emergence of major Bilaterian taxa.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of parametric robustness in Hh and Dpp/BMP signaling models.
- Investigation of molecular evolution patterns in Hh and Dpp/BMP pathway genes.
- Correlation analysis between gene evolution, parameter changes, and major evolutionary transitions.
Main Results:
- Identified critical kinetic parameters in Hh and Dpp/BMP signaling cascades essential for their function.
- Established a correlation between adaptive evolution of pathway genes and alterations in these critical parameters.
- Demonstrated that key molecular evolution events in these pathways coincide with the origin of major Bilaterian groups.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive evolution of Hh and Dpp/BMP pathway genes is mechanistically linked to changes in signaling parameters.
- These evolutionary changes in signaling cascades played a significant role in the diversification of Bilateria.
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