Nature Communications has recently published a research work on the complete genome sequence of the filasterean Capsaspora owczarzaki, a close unicellular relative of Metazoa. By comparative genomic analyses researchers infer that the unicellular ancestor of metazoans had a more complex genetic repertoire for genes involved in signaling and adhesion than previously thought. The study have involved researchers from  US, UK, Canada and Spain and has been leadered and coordinated by IBE researchers from I. Ruiz-Trillo's Lab.

Reference Article: Suga et al. 2013. The Capsaspora genome reveals a complex unicellular prehistory of animals. Nature communications. DOI10.1038/ncomms3325