Evolutionary innovation of the excretory system in Caenorhabditis elegans.
The evolution of complexity relies on changes that result in new gene functions. Here we show that the unique morphological and functional features of the excretory duct cell in C. elegans result from the gain of expression of a single gene. Our results show that innovation can be achieved by altered expression of a transcription factor without coevolution of all target genes.
Wang
Xiaodong
X
Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Chamberlin
Helen M
HM
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000235:genetics*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D017238:Genes, Helminth; D009024:Morphogenesis; D017385:Sequence Homology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D019076:Transgenes; D016335:Zinc Fingers / Q000235:genetics
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; C434744:Lin-48 protein, C elegans; D014157:Transcription Factors