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

Axel H Newton; Andrew J Pask

doi:10.1038/s42003-020-01501-3

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

Commun Biol. 2020 Dec 15;3(1):771. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01501-3.

Authors

Axel H Newton^{1

2}, Andrew J Pask³

Affiliations

¹ Biosciences 4, The School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. axel.newton@monash.edu.
² Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia. axel.newton@monash.edu.
³ Biosciences 4, The School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / genetics*
Evolution, Molecular*
Humans
Mammals / classification
Mammals / genetics
Multigene Family
Open Reading Frames
Osteogenesis / genetics
Phylogeny
Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid*
Vertebrates / classification
Vertebrates / genetics*

Substances

Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit