Biology
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Background: The evolution of central nervous systems (CNSs) is a fascinating and complex topic; further work is needed to understand the genetic and developmental homology between organisms with a CNS. Research into a limited number of species suggests that CNSs may be homologous across Bilateria. This hypothesis is based in part on similar functions of BMP signaling in establishing fates along the dorsal-ventral (D-V) axis, including limiting neural specification to one ectodermal region. From an evolutionary-developmental perspective, the best way to understand a system is to explore it in a wide range of organisms to create a full picture. Methods: Here, we expand our understanding of BMP signaling in Spiralia, the third major clade of bilaterians, by examining phenotypes after expression of a dominant-negative BMP Receptor 1 and after knock-down of the putative BMP antagonist Chordin-like using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in the annelid Capitella teleta (Pleistoannelida). Results: Ectopic expression of the dominant-negative Ct-BMPR1 did not increase CNS tissue or alter overall D-V axis formation in the trunk. Instead, we observed a unique asymmetrical phenotype: a distinct loss of left tissues, including the left eye, brain, foregut, and trunk mesoderm. Adding ectopic BMP4 early during cleavage stages reversed the dominant-negative Ct-BMPR1 phenotype, leading to a similar loss or reduction of right tissues instead. Surprisingly, a similar asymmetrical loss of left tissues was evident from CRISPR knock-down of Ct-Chordin-like but concentrated in the trunk rather than the episphere. Conclusions: Our data highlight a novel asymmetrical phenotype, giving us further insight into the complicated story of BMP’s developmental role. We further solidify the hypothesis that the function of BMP signaling during the establishment of the D-V axis and CNS is fundamentally different in at least Pleistoannelida, possibly in Spiralia, and is not required for nervous system delimitation in this group.
Publication Title
Neural Development
Publication Date
12-2024
Volume
19
Issue
1
ISSN
1749-8104
DOI
10.1186/s13064-024-00181-7
Keywords
Annelida, Bone morphogenetic protein, Capitella, CRISPR, dominant negative, Evo-devo, neural development
Repository Citation
Webster, Nicole B. and Meyer, Néva P., "Capitella teleta gets left out: possible evolutionary shift causes loss of left tissues rather than increased neural tissue from dominant-negative BMPR1" (2024). Biology. 26.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_biology/26
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright Conditions
Publisher source must be acknowledged with citation: Webster, N. B., & Meyer, N. P. (2024). Capitella teleta gets left out: possible evolutionary shift causes loss of left tissues rather than increased neural tissue from dominant-negative BMPR1. Neural Development, 19(1), 4. Must link to publisher version with DOI: 10.1186/s13064-024-00181-7
