Fig. 6

Expression of all 5 Dmrt genes during development of Mnemiopsis. (1st row) MlDmrtA was broadly expressed in the ectoderm outside of the developing comb rows, mouth and aboral organ. (2nd row) MlDmrtB was specifically expressed in the four developing comb rows. (3rd row) MlDmrtC was initially detected at the base of the tentacle bulbs with later expression in diffuse cells lining the pharynx in the cydippid larvae. (4th row) MlDmrtD was expressed in the oral and aboral regions of the gastrulating embryo, where expression remained in the cydippid stage. Expression was also observed in the tentacle buds, apical organ and an ectodermal band extending from the mouth. (5th row) MlDmrtE expression was initially observed in four regions of the gastrulating embryo, which continued into the cydippid stage, and later in the mouth