Differential gene expression mechanisms ensure cellular differentiation and plasticity to
shape ontogenetic and phylogenetic diversity of cell types. A key regulator of differential …

The first animals evolved from an unknown single-celled ancestor in the Precambrian
period. Recently, the identification and characterization of the genomic and cellular traits of …

The mammalian radiation has corresponded with rapid changes in noncoding regions of the
genome, but we lack a comprehensive understanding of regulatory evolution in mammals …

The emergence and diversification of cell types is a leading factor in animal evolution. So
far, systematic characterization of the gene regulatory programs associated with cell type …

INTRODUCTION In animals, gene regulatory networks specify cell identity in space and
time. Transcription of genes in these networks is modulated by a class of cis-regulatory …

There is currently little information about the evolution of gene clusters, genome
architectures and karyotypes in early branching animals. Slowly evolving anthozoan …

Communication in bilaterian nervous systems is mediated by electrical and secreted signals;
however, the evolutionary origin and relation of neurons to other secretory cell types has not …

Abstract Model organisms are widely used in research as accessible and convenient
systems to study a particular area or question in biology. Traditionally only a handful of …

The epithelial and interstitial stem cells of the freshwater polyp Hydra are the best-
characterized stem cell systems in any cnidarian, providing valuable insight into cell type …

Understanding the evolutionary and ecological roles of'non-genetic'inheritance (NGI) is
daunting due to the complexity and diversity of epigenetic mechanisms. We draw on insights …