Evolutionary conservation of cell migration genes: From nematode neurons to vertebrate neural crest

Article Abstract:

Comparative genomic analysis was performed to explore the genetic networks involved in long-range cell migrations that are conserved across the large evolutionary distance between Caenoryhabditis elegans hermaphrodite specific neurons (HSN) and vertebrate neural crest cells. The results demonstrate that the neural crest, a uniquely vertebrate cell type, shares common regulatory elements for cell migration programs utilized in the nematode suggesting that the role of these genes was present in the common ancestor of vertebrates and invertebrates.

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An HMG1-like protein facilitates Wnt signaling in 'Caenorhabditis elegans'

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A protein similar to HMG1 encourages Wnt signaling in gene transcription regulation. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as subjects, SON-1 exhibited HMG1-like traits such as cell fate transformation in several developmental processes, including somatic gonad development, male tail patterning and vulva development. SON-1 acts downstream within the Wnt signaling pathway, also similar to HMG1 activity.

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A functional study of miR-124 in the developing neural tube

Article Abstract:

The chick spinal cord as an in vivo system was employed to investigate the role of miR-124 during neural development. It was found that neither inhibition nor ectopic expression of miR-24 markedly altered general neuronal differentiation, suggesting that miR-124 does not act as determinant of neuronal differentiation.

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