Identification and characterization of homeobox transcription factor genes in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and their expression in embryonic development

Dev Biol. 2006 Dec 1;300(1):74-89. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.08.039. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

Abstract

A set of 96 homeobox transcription factors was identified in the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus genome using permissive blast searches with a large collection of authentic homeodomain sequences from mouse, human and fly. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to compare the sea urchin homeobox gene family to those of vertebrates, with the result that with the only a few exceptions, orthologs of all vertebrate homeodomain genes were uncovered by our search. QPCR time course measurements revealed that 65% of these genes are expressed within the first 48 h of development (late gastrula). For genes displaying sufficiently high levels of transcript during the first 24 h of development (late blastula), whole mount in situ hybridization was carried out up to 48 h to determine spatial patterns of expression. The results demonstrate that homeodomain transcription factors participate in multiple and diverse developmental functions, in that they are used at a range of time points and in every territory of the developing embryo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genes, Homeobox*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sea Urchins / classification
  • Sea Urchins / embryology*
  • Sea Urchins / genetics*
  • Sea Urchins / growth & development
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Transcription Factors