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Homeobox Gene Duplication and Divergence in Arachnids
Daniel J Leite1, Luís Baudouin-Gonzalez1, Sawa Iwasaki-Yokozawa2
1Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|June 21, 2018
Summary
Whole genome duplication in ancient arachnids led to retained homeobox genes. These duplicated genes evolved new roles, driving developmental diversity in spiders and scorpions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Homeobox genes are crucial for metazoan development and phenotypic diversity.
- A whole genome duplication (WGD) event in an ancestor of spiders and scorpions (Arachnopulmonata) retained many homeobox genes, including two Hox clusters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the consequences of the ancient WGD on homeobox gene evolution in arachnids.
- To characterize and compare homeobox gene repertoires across diverse arachnid species.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of homeobox gene repertoires in arachnopulmonate and non-arachnopulmonate arachnids.
- Analysis of homeobox gene expression patterns during spider embryogenesis.
- Comparison of spatial expression of duplicated homeobox genes (ohnologs) and their single-copy orthologs.
Main Results:
- Many homeobox gene families and clusters are duplicated in studied arachnopulmonates compared to non-arachnopulmonates.
- Significant changes in the level and timing of homeobox gene expression were observed during spider embryogenesis.
- Evidence suggests subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization of duplicated homeobox genes in spiders.
Conclusions:
- High retention of homeobox genes post-WGD in spiders and scorpions.
- Duplicated homeobox genes contributed significantly to developmental evolution and diversification through subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization.
- These findings parallel the evolutionary outcomes of WGD in vertebrates.
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