Journal Article

Evolution and expansion of the RUNX2 QA repeat corresponds with the emergence of vertebrate complexity

Pask, Andrew J., Newton, Axel H.

2020

Overview

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) is critical for the development of the vertebrate bony skeleton. Unlike other RUNX family members, RUNX2 possesses a variable poly-glutamine, poly-alanine (QA) repeat domain. Natural variation within this repeat is able to alter the transactivation potential of RUNX2, acting as an evolutionary ‘tuning knob’ suggested to influence mammalian skull shape. However, the broader role of the RUNX2 QA repeat throughout vertebrate evolution is unknown. In this perspective, we examine the role of the RUNX2 QA repeat during skeletal development and discuss how its emergence and expansion may have facilitated the evolution of morphological novelty in vertebrates. In this Perspective, Axel Newton and Andrew Pask examine the role of the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) QA repeat during skeletal development and discuss how its emergence and expansion may have facilitated the evolution of morphological novelty in vertebrates.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group UK,Nature Publishing Group,Nature Portfolio
• Subject: 631/181/2474 / 631/181/735 / Alanine / Animals / Biology / Biomedical and Life Sciences / Cbfa-1 protein / Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit - genetics / Evolution / Evolution, Molecular / Glutamine / Humans / Life Sciences / Mammals - classification / Mammals - genetics / Morphology / Multigene Family / Open Reading Frames / Osteogenesis - genetics / Perspective / Phylogeny / Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid / Skeleton / Transcription factors / Vertebrates / Vertebrates - classification / Vertebrates - genetics