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.

Bayesian statistical decision theory, Bayesian analysis, Genetic aspects, Phylogeny, Tunicata, Tunicates

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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.

Bone morphogenetic proteins, Lancelets

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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.

Genomes, Genes

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