Molecular mechanisms of selector gene function and evolution.

Selector proteins regulate the formation and identity of animal body regions, organs, tissues, and cell types. Recent studies have focused on the regulation of the DNA binding and transcriptional regulatory activity of this special class of transcription factors. Elucidation of the architecture of selector-regulated target gene enhancers and gene networks, and comparative studies of selector protein function are providing important insights into the evolution of development and morphology.