Marine Creature Genome Sequence Sheds Light on Vertebrate Origins

Genome Research is publishing several papers related to analyses of the amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) genome sequence. The amphioxus, or lancelet, is a cephalochordate residing in shallow regions of tropical and temperate seas, bearing resemblance to a small fish, however lacking pairs of eyes, limbs, and ears. A member of the chordata phylum along with tunicates (sea squirts) and vertebrates, amphioxus lacks the backbone or spinal column characteristic of vertebrate animals, yet shares the same basic body plan. Amphioxus is therefore an excellent model for investigating how vertebrates evolved from an invertebrate ancestor. Now, researchers are finding that the amphioxus genome sequence is revealing new insights into vertebrate origins and the evolution of complex biological systems, such as immunity and nervous system development. Primary research reports describing these novel findings will be published online June 19, concurrent with publication of the amphioxus genome sequence report in the journal Nature.

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