The origins of multicellularity: a multi-taxon genome initiative
Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo, Gertraud Burger, Peter W.H. Holland,
Nicole King, B. Franz Lang, Andrew J. Roger and Michael W. Gray
The emergence of multicellular organisms from single-celled
ancestors – which occurred several times, independently in different
branches of the eukaryotic tree – is one of the most profound
evolutionary transitions in the history of life. These events not only
radically changed the course of life on Earth but also created new
challenges, including the need for cooperation and communication
between cells, and the division of labor among different cell types.
However, the genetic changes that accompanied the several origins of
multicellularity remain elusive. Recently, the National Human Genome
Research Institute (NHGRI) endorsed a multi-taxon genome-sequencing
initiative that aims to gain insights into how multicellularity first
evolved. This initiative (which we have termed UNICORN) will generate
extensive genomic data from some of the closest extant unicellular
relatives of both animals and fungi. Here, we introduce this initiative
and the biological questions that underpin it, summarize the rationale
guiding the choice of organisms and discuss the anticipated benefits to
the broader scientific community.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TCY-4MYF5Y6-4&_user=794998&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000043466&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=794998&md5=e80d57c73552a422d98bdd401359f510
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Cindy Martens Tel:32 (0)9 3313822
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SYSTEMS BIOLOGY Fax:32 (0)9 3313809
GHENT UNIVERSITY/VIB, Technology Park 927, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie VIB
mailto:cimar@psb.ugent.be
http://www.psb.ugent.be/bioinformatics
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