| dc.description.abstract |
Pax-‐2/5/8
is
a
member
of
the
Group
II
Pax
genes
and,
like
its
relatives,
is
an
important
transcription
factor
most
likely
involved
in
cellular
differentiation
during
embryonic
development.
This
highly
conserved
gene
can
be
found
throughout
the
three
superphyla
of
all
bilaterally
symmetric
animals:
Deuterostomes,
Ecdysozoans,
and
Lophotrochozoans.
Although
Group
II
Pax
genes
are
involved
in
the
organogenesis
and
neural
patterning
of
both
Deuterostomes
and
Ecdysozoans,
it
has
yet
been
unclear
what
particular
role
Pax-‐2/5/8
plays
in
Lophotrochozoan
development.
This
study,
of
annelid
leech
Pax-‐2/5/8
expression,
should
help
to
further
elucidate
the
role
of
Pax-‐2/5/8
expression
in
Lophotrochozoans.
More
specifically,
this
project’s
aim
was
to
fully
sequence
the
Pax-‐2/5/8
gene
from
Helobdella
sp.
(Austin),
and
to
then
begin
the
characterization
of
its
expression
pattern
in
the
developing
leech
embryo.
This
preliminary
study
into
annelid
Pax-‐2/5/8
expression
has
verified
the
role
of
Pax-‐2/5/8
in
organogenesis
and
more
specifically
in
the
formation
of
the
leech
excretory
system.
However,
further
functional
studies
are
necessary
to
determine
if
Pax-‐2/5/8
plays
a
further
role
in
leech
nervous
system
patterning
as
well
as
the
specific
phenotypic
effects
that
result
from
disrupted
Pax-‐2/5/8
expression. |
