Differential expression of primary pair-rule genes during bidirectional regeneration in Perionyx excavatus

Abstract

The earthworm Perionyx excavatus is a species highly capable of bidirectional regeneration. Pair-rule genes are thought to have an ancestral function in arthropod segmentation. However, orthologs in annelids (i.e. Capitella teleta) do not exhibit segmental expression in the ectoderm or mesoderm. Their role in regeneration is currently unclear. Here, we report the expression profile of primary pair-rule genes (Pex-EvxA, Pex-EvxB, Pex-RuntA, Pex-RuntB, Pex-Hes1A, Pex-Hes1B, Pex-Hes4A, and Pex-Hey) found in P. excavatus using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated these genes showed variable expression during bidirectional regeneration. Six of these genes might play diverse and potentially critical roles in head and/or tail regeneration.

Evolution and Function of the Notch Signaling Pathway: An Invertebrate Perspective

“…Among other things, Notch expression is upregulated during the anterior regeneration of P. excavatus [ 67 ]. In addition, Pex-Hes1A , Pex-Hes1B , Pex-Hes4A , and Pex-Hey showed variable expressions during bidirectional regeneration [ 68 ]. Pex-Hes1A and Pex-Hes1B were not expressed in intact tissues, whereas Pex-Hes4A was expressed and highly expressed in regenerated head and tail tissues.…”