✉news ScienceBiology first seen 9 d ago, last 9 d ago, peak #32
Ancient Gene Engrailed Found in Unexpected Rotifer Cells
Original: Ancient Gene Engrailed Found in Unexpected Excretory Cells of Tiny Rotifers
Researchers report that the Engrailed gene, an ancient developmental regulator, is active in the excretory cells of rotifers, tiny aquatic animals. The finding is surprising because Engrailed is typically associated with nervous system and segmentation development, so its role in these microscopic creatures' waste-processing cells suggests the gene's functions may be far more varied across animal evolution than previously understood.
Why now: The unexpected location of such an ancient gene's activity challenges assumptions about its evolutionary function.
Evidence
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/4000756