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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.09.08.287821

β-catenin dependent axial patterning in Cnidaria and Bilateria uses similar regulatory logic

Bagaeva, T.·Aman, A. J.·Graf, T.·Niedermoser, I.·Zimmermann, B.·Kraus, Y.·Schatka, M.·Demilly, A.·Technau, U.·Genikhovich, G.
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Abstract

In animals, body axis patterning is based on the concentration-dependent interpretation of graded morphogen signals, which enables correct positioning of the anatomical structures. The most ancient axis patterning system acting across animal phyla relies on {beta}-catenin signaling, which directs gastrulation, and patterns the main body axis. However, within Bilateria, the patterning logic varies significantly between protostomes and deuterostomes. To deduce the ancestral principles of {beta}-catenin dependent axial patterning, we investigated the oral-aboral axis patterning in the sea anemone Nematostella - a member of the bilaterian sister group Cnidaria. Here we elucidate the regulatory logic by which more orally expressed {beta}-catenin targets repress more aborally expressed {beta}- catenin targets, and progressively restrict the initially global, maternally provided aboral identity. Similar regulatory logic of {beta}-catenin-dependent patterning in Nematostella and deuterostomes suggests a common evolutionary origin of these processes.

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Bagaeva, T., Aman, A. J., Graf, T., Niedermoser, I., Zimmermann, B., Kraus, Y., Schatka, M., Demilly, A., Technau, U., Genikhovich, G.. 2020-09-08. β-catenin dependent axial patterning in Cnidaria and Bilateria uses similar regulatory logic. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.08.287821

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