Ancient genetic program employed in more than just fins and limbs: Hox genes provide blueprint for a diversity of body plan features
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 - 14:30
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have found that the Hox gene program, responsible for directing the development of fins and limbs, is also utilized to develop other body part features of vertebrates, such as barbels and vents in fish. The research indicates that this genetic program, which dates back at least 440-480 million years, is older and more widely utilized than previously thought.