Early evolution of the endomesoderm gene regulatory network

该项目旨在通过在钙质海绵系统中识别其保守成分的靶基因来揭开内胚层基因网络的进化史。对于发育基因调控网络在所有真核动物(有神经和消化系统的动物)发育过程中的进化起源，人们知之甚少。海绵是研究原生动物向真尾藻转变的关键模型，基因表达数据支持海绵和真尾藻组织和身体计划的同源性。这个项目可以解释动物身体计划的进化史。

This project aims to unravel the endomesoderm gene network’s evolutionary history by identifying its conserved components’ target genes in the calcareous sponge Sycon. Little is known about the evolutionary origin of the developmental gene regulatory networks active in the development of all Eumetazoans (animals with nerves and digestive systems). Sponges are key models to study the transition from protists to eumetazoans, and gene expression data supports homology between sponge and eumetazoan tissues and body plans. This project could illuminate the evolutionary history of the animal body plan.