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Global evolution of nubbin expression patterns in arthropods: emerging view
Author(s) -
Popadić Aleksandar
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
evolution and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.651
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1525-142X
pISSN - 1520-541X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2005.05041.x
Subject(s) - citation , library science , state (computer science) , biology , correct name , expression (computer science) , computer science , algorithm , programming language , paleontology
In our recent study, we focused on analyzing nubbin (nub) expression in several insect species (Li and Popadic 2004). As a part of our analysis, we used previously reported spider data (Abzhanov and Kaufman 2000) to infer the global patterns of nubbin evolution in arthropod embryos. The insight obtained suggested a progressive gain of nub expression in gnathal appendages, leg segments, and CNS. In the previous issue of Evolution & Development, Prpic and Damen (2005) provided new valuable data from another spider species. The new data raise a question as to whether two of our previously reported gains of expression (in gnathal appendages and in leg segments) were correctly inferred. More specifically, Prpic and Damen suggested a loss of expression as an alternative explanation. Here, I discuss the issue of gain vs. loss in the light of the observed extraordinary diversity and dynamics of nubbin expression in arthropods.