The Fox genes encode a group of transcription factors that contain a forkhead domain, which forms a structure known as a winged helix. These transcription factors play a crucial role in several key biological processe...The Fox genes encode a group of transcription factors that contain a forkhead domain, which forms a structure known as a winged helix. These transcription factors play a crucial role in several key biological processes, including development. High-degree identity in the canonical forkhead domain has been used to divide Fox proteins into 23 families （FoxA to FoxS）. We surveyed the genome of three spiralians, the oyster Crassostrea gigas, the limpet Lottia gigantea, and the annelid Capitella teleta. We identified 25 C. gigas fox genes, 21 L. gigantea fox genes, and 25 C. teleta fox genes. The C. gigas fox and L. giganteafox genes represented 19 of the 23 families, whereas FoxI, QI, R, and S were missing. The majority of the Fox families were observed within the C. teletafox genes, with the exception of FoxR and S. In addition, thefoxAB-like gene,foxY-like gene, andfoxH gene were also present in the three genomes. The conserved FoxC-FoxL 1 cluster, observed in mammals, was also found in C. gigas. The diversity of temporal expression patterns observed across the developmental process implies the C. gigasfox genes exert a wide range of functions. Further functional studies are required to gain insight into the evolution of Fox genes in bilaterians.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2010CB126401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31402285)+3 种基金the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program)(No.2012AA10A405)the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System(No.CARS-48)the Taishan Scholars Climbing Program of Shandong Provincethe Oversea Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province
文摘The Fox genes encode a group of transcription factors that contain a forkhead domain, which forms a structure known as a winged helix. These transcription factors play a crucial role in several key biological processes, including development. High-degree identity in the canonical forkhead domain has been used to divide Fox proteins into 23 families （FoxA to FoxS）. We surveyed the genome of three spiralians, the oyster Crassostrea gigas, the limpet Lottia gigantea, and the annelid Capitella teleta. We identified 25 C. gigas fox genes, 21 L. gigantea fox genes, and 25 C. teleta fox genes. The C. gigas fox and L. giganteafox genes represented 19 of the 23 families, whereas FoxI, QI, R, and S were missing. The majority of the Fox families were observed within the C. teletafox genes, with the exception of FoxR and S. In addition, thefoxAB-like gene,foxY-like gene, andfoxH gene were also present in the three genomes. The conserved FoxC-FoxL 1 cluster, observed in mammals, was also found in C. gigas. The diversity of temporal expression patterns observed across the developmental process implies the C. gigasfox genes exert a wide range of functions. Further functional studies are required to gain insight into the evolution of Fox genes in bilaterians.
