fushi tarazu: a Hox gene changes its role.
The Hox genes play a role in anteroposterior axis specification of bilaterian animals that has been conserved for more than 600 million years. However, some of these genes have occasionally changed their roles in evolution. For example, the insect gene fushi tarazu (ftz), although localised in the Hox cluster, no longer acts as a Hox gene, but is involved in segmentation and nervous system development. Recent data of Mouchel-Vielh et al., and Hughes and Kaufman on ftz homologues in a crustacean and a myriapod, respectively, shed new light onto the evolution of this gene.
Damen
Wim G M
WG
Institut für Genetik, Universität zu Köln, Weyertal 121, D-50931 Köln, Germany. damen@uni-koeln.de
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D051717:Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017344:Genes, Insect; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005810:Multigene Family
D051717:Fushi Tarazu Transcription Factors; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins