Origin and evolution of the enhancer of split complex

BMC Genomics

Research Article

Peter K. Dearden¹ 

[1] Genetics Otago and Gravida (National Centre for Growth and Development), Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand;

关键词: Notch Signalling;    bHLH Protein;    bHLH Gene;    Proneural Gene;    Insect Genome;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12864-015-1926-1

 received in 2015-06-18, accepted in 2015-09-12,  发布年份 2015

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe Enhancer of split complex is an unusual gene complex found in Arthropod genomes. Where known this complex of genes is often regulated by Notch cell signalling and is critically important for neurogenesis. The Enhancer of split complex is made up of two different classes of genes, basic helix-loop-helix-orange domain transcription factors and bearded class genes. The association of these genes has been detected in the genomes of insects and crustaceans.ResultsTracing the evolution of the Enhancer of split complex in recently sequenced Arthropod genomes indicates that enhancer of split basic helix-loop-helix orange domain genes arose before the common ancestor of insects and Crustacea, and before the formation of the complex. Throughout insect and crustacean evolution, a four-gene cluster has been present with lineage specific gene losses and duplications. The complex can be found in the vast majority of genomes, but appears to be missing from the genomes of chalcid wasps, raising questions as to how they carry out neurogenesis in the absence of these crucial genes.ConclusionsThe enhancer of split complex arose in the common ancestor of Crustacea and insects, probably through the linkage of a basic helix-loop-helix orange domain gene and a bearded class gene. The complex has been maintained, with variations, throughout insect and crustacean evolution indicating some function of the complex, such as coordinate regulation, may maintain its structure through evolutionary time.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Dearden. 2015