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Evolution and expression of core SWI/SNF genes in red algae
John W Stiller1, Chunlin Yang2, Jonas Collén3
1Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, 27858, USA.
Journal of Phycology
|October 6, 2018
Summary
Red algae, the oldest multicellular eukaryotes, show varied development. Gene evolution in the SWI/SNF complex likely explains the morphological differences between bangiophytes and florideophytes.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Red algae are ancient multicellular eukaryotes with a fossil record exceeding one billion years.
- Two main lineages, bangiophytes and florideophytes, display distinct multicellular development and morphological complexity.
- Red algae lack the cellular differentiation seen in other multicellular lineages, with underlying genetic mechanisms largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of red algal development and morphological diversity.
- To analyze the evolutionary history and gene expression of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex subunits in red algae.
Main Methods:
- Comparative evolutionary analysis of SWI/SNF complex subunits.
- Gene expression analysis of core SWI/SNF subunits.
- Phylogenetic analysis of red algal lineages.
Main Results:
- A single SWI/SNF complex existed in the red algal ancestor.
- Gene duplications and diversification of SWI/SNF subunits occurred with the evolution of multicellularity in the common ancestor of bangiophytes and florideophytes.
- Gene losses and rapid divergence of SWI3 and SNF5 in bangiophytes correlate with their simpler morphology compared to florideophytes.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary changes in the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex are linked to the diversification of morphological complexity in red algae.
- Differences in SWI/SNF subunit evolution may explain the distinct developmental patterns observed between bangiophytes and florideophytes.
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