Evolution of neuroendocrine axis in Vertebrates: impact of genome duplications

Neuroendocrine axes, composed by brain neurohormones, pituitary hormones and peripheral gland hormones, regulate major physiological functions and key-steps of life cycles in Vertebrates. We investigate how whole genome duplication events (WGD) that occurred at the basis of the vertebrate lineage (“1R and 2R” for 1rst and 2nd Rounds of WGD) and at the basis of the teleost lineage (“3R” for 3rd Round of WGD) have impacted the molecular and functional evolution of neuroendocrine axes and their roles in the control of life cycles. Model fish species investigated are chosen for their phylogenetical, ecological, socio-economical relevance and the complexity of their life cycle.