imadjidov's blog

In this project, we will be making nine different phylogenetic trees based on the nine HOXC genes. Each phylogenetic tree will retrieve a human HOXC reference sequence from the NCBI gene database and then search again on the NCBI gene database for the rest of the HOXC genes that are available for all species that lie in the Animalia kingdom. Of the available sequences, we will use MEGA software to align the sequence. The sequence is then saved. Using MEGA’s software, a phylogenetic tree will be created. The tree is then exported as a NEXUS file and uploaded into the iTOL website to create a phylogenetic tree that may be manipulated. The phylogenetic tree will then be evaluated for their reliability by obtaining the tree’s bootstrap value from MEGA.

    HOX genes, specifically HOXC genes and their homeodomains, are vital to the development of vertebrates. The HOXC genes function in cell differentiation, proliferation, and epithelial tissue development, with associations to lymphoma and club foot in humans (Gene Cards, 2019). Some studies have also indicated that the genes may be important in vertebrae (Carrasco, 1994) and other bone development such as craniofacial morphogenesis (Hirata, 2016). Mutations in these genes can often result in a homeotic mutation, where certain body parts end up growing where it is not usually grown, or a severe malformation of certain limbs and organs (Alvarado, 2016).

HOX genes specify the regions in an anterior-posterior axis of an animal. Because the organization of the body depends on these genes, a mutation in them often results in misformation of limbs and other body parts. Because HOX genes are highly conserved across species, making it useful in determining the phylogeny of species. However, the determination of the HOXC gene as an indicator of phylogeny across all vertebrae species is something that has not been examined as of now.

Another specific aim the proposal has is to isolate and characterize the expression of highly conserved genes identified in Specific Aim 1 from the Animalia kingdom. The expansion of our subject of interest from chicken, zebrafish, Xenopus, and newt to the Animalia kingdom will allow for the comparison of the HOX gene in all vertebrate and invertebrate animals, which is different from species to species. Characterization methods of our data include a phylogenetic tree and a heat graph of gene expression. A modified phylogenetic tree allows us to map where organisms may have originated based on HOX similarities. The phylogenetic tree will take into account the Animalia kingdom.

The statement motivated our group to propose that the HOX genes express little variation in vertebrae, and test the statement by knowing how consistent this data would be if we were to expand our subject of interest to a whole kingdom, rather than specific subjects used for their evidence (chicken, zebrafish, Xenopus, and newt). We will now look into HOX genes to see how similar or different expression of the HOX gene is throughout the Animalia kingdom.

The objective of our proposal is to create a phylogenetic tree examining the possibility of using the HOXC gene as an indicator of the phylogeny. One specific aim of the proposal is to identify highly conserved genes that are present in vertebrates. In preliminary work, we found that one example of a highly conserved gene is the BOP1 gene present in ribosomal DNA. Further research done on HOX genes has noted that the duplication of HOX clusters is shared by all vertebrae (Ruddle et al. 1994).

As a result, many anti-tuberculosis societies relied on pamphlets, popular lectures, and newspaper articles to promote public awareness of the disease. Furthermore, the influence of media on American medical history goes beyond diseases. Media communications played a key role in shaping tobacco-related knowledge among individuals and within communities. Increasing media attention not only changed individual smoking habits but also helped create a climate in which local governments pushed toward tougher antismoking policies. Moreover, various public health organizations utilized mass media to address their issues. Noteworthy publications such as the Flexner Report was introduced to the public and covered in the front pages of many newspapers. In that event, it transformed the nature and process of medical education in America. On such accounts, the media has proven effective in influencing individual and societal behavior towards smoking, raising awareness of diseases, and transforming the U.S. medical education system. For this reason, the media is an important actor in the public health system, that has catalyzed action and change at the national and local levels.

The history of medicine in the United States, with its innumerable social movements, is a period of demurality that continues to be a classic example of social change. This part of U.S history challenged existing race, gender, and cultural practices that continue to affect our daily lives today. However, all thoughts need a medium to portray their ideas and such is the case with American medical history. Since its conception, the media has become the vehicle for social metamorphosis. This was particularly true with respect to diseases. The greatest challenge of the early 20-century germ gospellers was to convince the public that tuberculosis was a communicable disease.

Why studying the similarities and differences between hox genes is important. And why their expression is important. In the development of animals, there is a special period of embryonic similarity, during which not only the appearance of the embryos but also the expression of their genes is very conservative. The existence of this period is associated with the appearance in the evolution of stable building plans. In hox genes, the genes themselves are located on the chromosomes in order, therefore, strict, consistent activation of them is necessary in order for the body to form correctly. However, the mechanism and regulation of the Hox genes themselves remain unclear. It is clear that this process is very complex and multi-staged; non-coding RNAs are involved in it. To a complete understanding of all these processes in different animals, science is still very far away. When the basic mechanisms of gene regulation during early ontogenesis are deciphered, biologists will be able to closely address the following fundamental question, namely: why is all this necessary? Why do multicellular animals suddenly switch from maternal transcripts to their own? Incidentally, this problem has not only theoretical but also practical significance.

Why studying the similarities and differences between hox genes is important. And why their expression is important. In the development of animals, there is a special period of embryonic similarity, during which not only the appearance of the embryos but also the expression of their genes is very conservative. The existence of this period is associated with the appearance in the evolution of stable building plans. In hox genes, the genes themselves are located on the chromosomes in order, therefore, strict, consistent activation of them is necessary in order for the body to form correctly. However, the mechanism and regulation of the Hox genes themselves remain unclear. It is clear that this process is very complex and multi-staged; non-coding RNAs are involved in it. To a complete understanding of all these processes in different animals, science is still very far away.