Boule and the Evolutionary Origin of Metazoan Gametogenesis: A Grandpa's Tale
Figure 2
Molecular structure and expression patterns of DAZ gene family members during germ cell development and differentiation [8]. (a) diagram of BOULE, DAZL, and DAZ genes displaying the RNA-binding domains (yellow) and the DAZ repeats (blue). (b) expression patterns of BOULE, DAZL, and DAZ genes represented by horizontal lines during gametogenesis. BOULE is an ancient meiotic regulator conserved in all metazoans, giving rise to a gene family required for novel vertebrate germ cell functions. While BOULE encompasses a meiotic expression, DAZL and DAZ evolved novel premeiotic functions related to stem germ cell proliferation and differentiation later on during evolution.
