Evolutionary innovation of the excretory system in Caenorhabditis elegans

Xiaodong Wang; Helen M Chamberlin

doi:10.1038/ng1301

Evolutionary innovation of the excretory system in Caenorhabditis elegans

Nat Genet. 2004 Mar;36(3):231-2. doi: 10.1038/ng1301. Epub 2004 Feb 1.

Authors

Xiaodong Wang¹, Helen M Chamberlin

Affiliation

¹ Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

PMID: 14758362
DOI: 10.1038/ng1301

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Base Sequence
Caenorhabditis elegans / anatomy & histology*
Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Genes, Helminth*
Morphogenesis
Sequence Homology
Transcription Factors / genetics
Transgenes
Zinc Fingers / genetics

Substances

Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
Lin-48 protein, C elegans
Transcription Factors