Gene regulatory programs in the life history of Salpingoeca rosetta

The choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta can differentiate into at least five morphologically and behaviorally distinct cell types during its lifetime, going from individual motile cells to linear and rosette-shaped colonies. Due to the capability to form colonies and its close relationship with Metazoa, this organism is considered a model for studying multicellular evolution. The gene regulatory programs underlying these transformations are, however, unknown. Here we analyze transcriptomic data obtained from Salpingoeca rosetta in different states to identify a core of genes associated with the formation of multicellular colonies. We then compare the results with other organisms which display simple forms of multicellularity, highlighting commonalities and differences.