Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis
Published on: October 16, 2016
Dynamic evolution of CIKS (TRAF3IP2/Act1) in metazoans
Baojun Wu1, Meng Jin, Jing Gong
1Laboratory of Developmental Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong, University, Jinan 250100, China.
The CIKS protein, crucial for immune responses, evolved from ancient CIKS-like genes in invertebrates. This evolution involved gene duplication and fission, leading to diverse functions in vertebrates and a conserved role in host defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- CIKS (TRAF3IP2/Act1) is vital for mammalian inflammatory responses and autoimmunity via CD40L/BAFF and IL-17 signaling.
- Understanding CIKS evolution provides insights into immune system development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct comparative and evolutionary analyses of CIKS proteins across metazoans.
- To trace the evolutionary trajectory of CIKS and its functional diversification.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics across metazoan species.
- Phylogenetic and synteny analyses of CIKS genes.
- Gene duplication and fission event analysis.
Main Results:
- CIKS homologs are absent in nematodes and sea urchins, despite their IL-17 pathway components.
- Ancient CIKS-like genes in invertebrates possess an additional DEATH domain.
- Vertebrate CIKS genes fall into two groups: orthologous and paralogous to human CIKS.
- Amphioxus IL-17 and CIKS may have an ancient role in bacterial infection defense.
Conclusions:
- CIKS likely evolved from ancient CIKS-like genes through duplication and fission in early chordates.
- Vertebrate CIKS genes have undergone diversification, with distinct orthologous and paralogous lineages.
- CIKS function has expanded throughout evolution via gene cooperation, contributing to host defense and immune regulation.
More Related Videos
11:39Analyzing In Vivo Cell Migration using Cell Transplantations and Time-lapse Imaging in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: April 29, 2016
09:32Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Cis-regulatory Sequences
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...