Date of Award
2000
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Biology
Abstract
POU domain genes comprise a subset of homeodomain genes that are developmental regulators. These genes encode sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that are found in diverse metazoans. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect previously undescribed POU genes in several invertebrate phyla. A class IV gene and a class VI gene were identified in sea anemones ( Condylactis ), two distinct class III genes were identified in snails ( Biomphalaria ), and a single class IV gene was identified in earthworms ( Lumbricus ). The identification of POU genes in cnidarians, mollusks, and annelids completes a survey of nine major metazoan phyla. POU genes appear to be conserved throughout the metazoan lineage and may have played a major role in the diversification of these organisms. A cDNA encoding a novel alternatively spliced transcript from the zebrafish class III POU domain gene brain-1.1 / zp-12 was cloned and characterized. Brn-1.1 transcripts are detected in the developing nervous system and pronephros and later in the pharyngeal arch primordium. In the adult, brn-1.1 expression is found in the brain, and at somewhat lower levels in the eye and the ovary. The complex expression pattern observed for the brn-1.1 gene suggests an important role for this gene during neurogenesis. Several different approaches made to isolate a cDNA encoding the zebrafish class IV POU domain gene Brn-3 are also described. Members of the TIS family of early response genes can be induced in many different cell-types by a wide range of mitogens. PCR was used to identify a novel TIS11 gene, ZfTIS11 in zebrafish. Sequence analysis indicated highly conserved cysteine-histidine repeats representing a putative zinc-finger motif The TIS11 gene was found to be expressed in pregastrula embryos and the adult ovary of the zebrafish. The maternal expression of the TIS11 gene suggests an important role during oogenesis and/or early development.
Recommended Citation
Shah-Shields, Dipti, "POU Domain Genes In Metazoans" (2000). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 847.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/847