Is there any significance in the composition of cnidarian hox genes? I've been told that they have none, but my understanding is that they just don't have hox clusters as we define them for other animals. I would just like some clarity.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Cross species comparison reveals a strong variability of gene expression along the oral-aboral axis and during the life cycle among cnidarian lineages. The most penurious interpretation is that the Hox code, collinearity, and conservative role along the antero-posterior axis are bilaterian innovations. The Hox/ParaHox family was undoubtedly already present and diversified in the cnidarian / bilaterian ancestor. In addition, while a Hox code was almost certainly operating in the bilaterian ancestor, the possible implication of cnidarian Hox genes in a similar system remains unclear.