1
|
Oh JDH, Freem L, Saunders DDZ, McTeir L, Gilhooley H, Jackson M, Glover JD, Smith J, Schoenebeck JJ, Lettice LA, Sang HM, Davey MG. Insights into digit evolution from a fate map study of the forearm using Chameleon, a new transgenic chicken line. Development 2024; 151:dev202340. [PMID: 38828852 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The cellular and genetic networks that contribute to the development of the zeugopod (radius and ulna of the forearm, tibia and fibula of the leg) are not well understood, although these bones are susceptible to loss in congenital human syndromes and to the action of teratogens such as thalidomide. Using a new fate-mapping approach with the Chameleon transgenic chicken line, we show that there is a small contribution of SHH-expressing cells to the posterior ulna, posterior carpals and digit 3. We establish that although the majority of the ulna develops in response to paracrine SHH signalling in both the chicken and mouse, there are differences in the contribution of SHH-expressing cells between mouse and chicken as well as between the chicken ulna and fibula. This is evidence that, although zeugopod bones are clearly homologous according to the fossil record, the gene regulatory networks that contribute to their development and evolution are not fixed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dong Hwa Oh
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lu Freem
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Dillan D Z Saunders
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lynn McTeir
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Hazel Gilhooley
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Melany Jackson
- Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - James D Glover
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Jonathan Smith
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Jeffrey J Schoenebeck
- Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Laura A Lettice
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Helen M Sang
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Megan G Davey
- Functional Genetics, The Roslin Institute R(D)SVS, CMVM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guinard G. THE FORELIMBS OF ALVAREZSAUROIDEA (DINOSAURIA: THEROPODA): INSIGHT FROM EVOLUTIONARY TERATOLOGY. J Morphol 2022; 283:1257-1272. [PMID: 35915891 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alvarezsauroidea (Tetanurae) are non-avian theropod dinosaurs whose forelimb evolution is characterised by overdevelopment of digit I, at the expense of the other two digits, complemented by a drastic forelimb shortening in derived species (Parvicursorinae). These variations are recognised as evolutionary developmental anomalies. Evolutionary teratology hence leads to a double diagnosis with 1) macrodactyly of digit I and microdactyly of digits II and III, plus 2) anterior micromelia. The teratological macrodactyly/microdactyly coupling evolved first. Developmental mechanisms disturbing limb proportion are thought to be convergent with those of other Tetanurae (Tyrannosauridae, Carcharodontosauridae). As for the manual anomalies, both are specific to Alvarezsauroidea (macrodactyly/microdactyly) and inherited (digit loss/reduction). While considering the frame-shift theory, posterior digits develop before the most anterior one. There would therefore be a decrease in the area devoted to digits II (condensation 3) and III (condensation 4), in connection with the Shh signalling pathway, interacting with other molecular players such as the GLI 3 protein and the Hox system. Developmental independence of digit I (condensation 2) would contribute to generate a particular morphology. Macrodactyly would be linked to a variation in Hoxd-13, impacting Gli3 activity, increasing cell proliferation. The loss/reduction of digital ray/phalanges (digits II and III), would be associated to Shh activity, a mechanism inherited from the theropodan ancestry. The macrodactyly/macrodactyly coupling, and then anterior micromelia, fundamentally changed the forelimb mechanical function, compared to the 'classical' grasping structure of basal representatives and other theropods. The distal ossification of the macrodactylian digit has been identified as physiological, implying the use of the structure. However, the debate of a particular 'adaptive' use is pointless since the ecology of an organism is interactively complex, being both at the scale of the individual and dependent on circumstances. Other anatomical features also allow for compensation and a different predation (cursorial hindlimbs). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
|
3
|
Swank S, Sanger TJ, Stuart YE. (Non)Parallel developmental mechanisms in vertebrate appendage reduction and loss. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15484-15497. [PMID: 34824770 PMCID: PMC8601893 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Appendages have been reduced or lost hundreds of times during vertebrate evolution. This phenotypic convergence may be underlain by shared or different molecular mechanisms in distantly related vertebrate clades. To investigate, we reviewed the developmental and evolutionary literature of appendage reduction and loss in more than a dozen vertebrate genera from fish to mammals. We found that appendage reduction and loss was nearly always driven by modified gene expression as opposed to changes in coding sequences. Moreover, expression of the same genes was repeatedly modified across vertebrate taxa. However, the specific mechanisms by which expression was modified were rarely shared. The multiple routes to appendage reduction and loss suggest that adaptive loss of function phenotypes might arise routinely through changes in expression of key developmental genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Swank
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Thomas J. Sanger
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yoel E. Stuart
- Department of BiologyLoyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spatial regulation by multiple Gremlin1 enhancers provides digit development with cis-regulatory robustness and evolutionary plasticity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5557. [PMID: 34548488 PMCID: PMC8455560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25810-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise cis-regulatory control of gene expression is essential for normal embryogenesis and tissue development. The BMP antagonist Gremlin1 (Grem1) is a key node in the signalling system that coordinately controls limb bud development. Here, we use mouse reverse genetics to identify the enhancers in the Grem1 genomic landscape and the underlying cis-regulatory logics that orchestrate the spatio-temporal Grem1 expression dynamics during limb bud development. We establish that transcript levels are controlled in an additive manner while spatial regulation requires synergistic interactions among multiple enhancers. Disrupting these interactions shows that altered spatial regulation rather than reduced Grem1 transcript levels prefigures digit fusions and loss. Two of the enhancers are evolutionary ancient and highly conserved from basal fishes to mammals. Analysing these enhancers from different species reveal the substantial spatial plasticity in Grem1 regulation in tetrapods and basal fishes, which provides insights into the fin-to-limb transition and evolutionary diversification of pentadactyl limbs. The BMP antagonist Gremlin1 balances BMP and SHH signalling, endowing limb bud development with robustness. Here, the authors identify enhancers controlling Grem1 levels in an additive, and spatial regulation in a synergistic manner, providing digit patterning with cis-regulatory robustness and evolutionary plasticity.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bonatto Paese CL, Hawkins MB, Brugmann SA, Harris MP. Atavisms in the avian hindlimb and early developmental polarity of the limb. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1358-1367. [PMID: 33605505 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The naturally occurring chicken mutant talpid2 (ta2 ), best known for its limb and craniofacial defects, has long served as a valuable tool for developmental biologists studying growth and patterning of craniofacial structures and the limb. The mutant provides a unique tool to examine the molecular and cellular processes regulating limb development. RESULTS This mutant also provides unique insights into the evolution of developmental genetic programs. Previous work defined the appearance of atavistic dentition in ta2 embryos. Herein we describe the appearance of ancestral characters of the hindlimb in embryonic ta2 chicken embryos. CONCLUSION As the ta2 phenotype arises as a result of mutation in C2CD3 and disrupted cilia function, this mutant provides genetic and developmental insight into the causes of asymmetry in the limb and also a model for the evolution of the avian hindlimb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian L Bonatto Paese
- Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Shriners Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Brent Hawkins
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha A Brugmann
- Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Shriners Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew P Harris
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Newton AH, Smith CA. Regulation of vertebrate forelimb development and wing reduction in the flightless emu. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1248-1263. [PMID: 33368781 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate limb is a dynamic structure which has evolved into many diverse forms to facilitate complex behavioral adaptations. The principle molecular and cellular processes that underlie development of the vertebrate limb are well characterized. However, how these processes are altered to drive differential limb development between vertebrates is less well understood. Several vertebrate models are being utilized to determine the developmental basis of differential limb morphogenesis, though these typically focus on later patterning of the established limb bud and may not represent the complete developmental trajectory. Particularly, heterochronic limb development can occur prior to limb outgrowth and patterning but receives little attention. This review summarizes the genetic regulation of vertebrate forelimb diversity, with particular focus on wing reduction in the flightless emu as a model for examining limb heterochrony. These studies highlight that wing reduction is complex, with heterochronic cellular and genetic events influencing the major stages of limb development. Together, these studies provide a broader picture of how different limb morphologies may be established during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel H Newton
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Woltering JM, Irisarri I, Ericsson R, Joss JMP, Sordino P, Meyer A. Sarcopterygian fin ontogeny elucidates the origin of hands with digits. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabc3510. [PMID: 32875118 PMCID: PMC7438105 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
How the hand and digits originated from fish fins during the Devonian fin-to-limb transition remains unsolved. Controversy in this conundrum stems from the scarcity of ontogenetic data from extant lobe-finned fishes. We report the patterning of an autopod-like domain by hoxa13 during fin development of the Australian lungfish, the most closely related extant fish relative of tetrapods. Differences from tetrapod limbs include the absence of digit-specific expansion of hoxd13 and hand2 and distal limitation of alx4 and pax9, which potentially evolved through an enhanced response to shh signaling in limbs. These developmental patterns indicate that the digit program originated in postaxial fin radials and later expanded anteriorly inside of a preexisting autopod-like domain during the evolution of limbs. Our findings provide a genetic framework for the transition of fins into limbs that supports the significance of classical models proposing a bending of the tetrapod metapterygial axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost M. Woltering
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, Universität Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Iker Irisarri
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, Universität Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | | | | | - Paolo Sordino
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Axel Meyer
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, Universität Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|