Tunicates and not cephalochordates are the closest living relatives of vertebrates
Article Abstract:
The phylogenetic analyses of a data set of 146 nuclear genes from 14 deuterostomes provide convincing evidence that tunicates, and not cephalochordates, represent the closest living relatives of vertebrates. This phylogenetic scheme prompts a reappraisal of both morphological and palaeontological data and has important implications for studies in which tunicates and cephalochordates are used as model animals.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2006
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Axial patterning in cephalochordates and the evolution of the organizer
Article Abstract:
The expressions of amphioxus and vertebrate organizers during gastrulation are analyzed and the role of bone morphogenetic protein in dorsal/ventral (D/V) patterning is investigated to determine if the genes are deployed in amphioxus and vertebrates. The results have indicated evolutionary conservation of the mechanisms for both D/V and anterior/posterior patterning at the early gastrula.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2007
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Hox cluster disintegration with persistent anteroposterior order of expression in Oikopleura dioica
Article Abstract:
An attempt is made to show that the tunicate Oilopleura dioica has a complement of nine Hox genes in which all central genes are lacking but a full vertegrate-like set of posterior genes is present. In contrast to all bilaterians, Hox genes are not clustered in the Oikopleura genome.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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