1
|
Pereira AG, Kohlsdorf T. Repeated evolution of similar phenotypes: Integrating comparative methods with developmental pathways. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220384. [PMID: 37486083 PMCID: PMC10364090 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeated phenotypes, often referred to as 'homoplasies' in cladistic analyses, may evolve through changes in developmental processes. Genetic bases of recurrent evolution gained attention and have been studied in the past years using approaches that combine modern analytical phylogenetic tools with the stunning assemblage of new information on developmental mechanisms. In this review, we evaluated the topic under an integrated perspective, revisiting the classical definitions of convergence and parallelism and detailing comparative methods used to evaluate evolution of repeated phenotypes, which include phylogenetic inference, estimates of evolutionary rates and reconstruction of ancestral states. We provide examples to illustrate how a given methodological approach can be used to identify evolutionary patterns and evaluate developmental mechanisms associated with the intermittent expression of a given trait along the phylogeny. Finally, we address why repeated trait loss challenges strict definitions of convergence and parallelism, discussing how changes in developmental pathways might explain the high frequency of repeated trait loss in specific lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anieli Guirro Pereira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP), Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiana Kohlsdorf
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP), Departamento de Biologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu Q, Luo Y, Chao Z, Zhang J, Liu X, Tang Q, Wang K, Tan S, Fang M. Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome Expression Profiles Reveals miRNA-326-NKX3.2-Regulated Porcine Chondrocyte Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087257. [PMID: 37108419 PMCID: PMC10138716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The porcine body length trait is an essential factor affecting meat production and reproductive performance. It is evident that the development/lengthening of individual vertebrae is one of the main reasons for increases in body length; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, RNA-seq analysis was used to profile the transcriptome (lncRNA, mRNA, and miRNA) of the thoracic intervertebral cartilage (TIC) at two time points (1 and 4 months) during vertebral column development in Yorkshire (Y) and Wuzhishan pigs (W). There were four groups: 1- (Y1) and 4-month-old (Y4) Yorkshire pigs and 1- (W1) and 4-month-old (W4) Wuzhishan pigs. In total, 161, 275, 86, and 126 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, 1478, 2643, 404, and 750 DE genes (DEGs), and 74,51, 34, and 23 DE miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were identified in the Y4 vs. Y1, W4 vs. W1, Y4 vs. W4, and Y1 vs. W1 comparisons, respectively. Functional analysis of these DE transcripts (DETs) demonstrated that they had participated in various biological processes, such as cellular component organization or biogenesis, the developmental process, the metabolic process, bone development, and cartilage development. The crucial bone development-related candidate genes NK3 Homeobox 2 (NKX3.2), Wnt ligand secretion mediator (WLS), gremlin 1 (GREM1), fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), (collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1), and Wnt Family Member 16 (WNT16)) were further identified by functional analysis. Moreover, lncRNA, miRNA, and gene interaction networks were constructed; a total of 55 lncRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 7 genes formed lncRNA-gene, miRNA-gene, and lncRNA-miRNA-gene pairs, respectively. The aim was to demonstrate that coding and non-coding genes may co-regulate porcine spine development through interaction networks. NKX3.2 was identified as being specifically expressed in cartilage tissues, and it delayed chondrocyte differentiation. miRNA-326 regulated chondrocyte differentiation by targeting NKX3.2. The present study provides the first non-coding RNA and gene expression profiles in the porcine TIC, constructs the lncRNA-miRNA-gene interaction networks, and confirms the function of NKX3.2 in vertebral column development. These findings contribute to the understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms regulating pig vertebral column development. They expand our knowledge about the differences in body length between different pig species and provide a foundation for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yabiao Luo
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhe Chao
- Institute of Animal Sciences and Veterinary, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Jibin Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91006, USA
| | - Ximing Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiguo Tang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kejun Wang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuyi Tan
- Institute of Animal Sciences and Veterinary, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Meiying Fang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amson E, Scheyer TM, Martinez Q, Schwermann AH, Koyabu D, He K, Ziegler R. Unique bone microanatomy reveals ancestry of subterranean specializations in mammals. Evol Lett 2022; 6:552-561. [PMID: 36579164 PMCID: PMC9783445 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquiring a subterranean lifestyle entails a substantial shift for many aspects of terrestrial vertebrates' biology. Although this lifestyle is associated with multiple instances of convergent evolution, the relative success of some subterranean lineages largely remains unexplained. Here, we focus on the mammalian transitions to life underground, quantifying bone microanatomy through high-resolution X-ray tomography. The true moles stand out in this dataset. Examination of this family's bone histology reveals that the highly fossorial moles acquired a unique phenotype involving large amounts of compacted coarse cancellous bone. This phenotype exceeds the adaptive optimum seemingly shared by several other subterranean mammals and can be traced back to some of the first known members of the family. This remarkable microanatomy was acquired early in the history of the group and evolved faster than the gross morphology innovations of true moles' forelimb. This echoes the pattern described for other lifestyle transitions, such as the acquisition of bone mass specializations in secondarily aquatic tetrapods. Highly plastic traits-such as those pertaining to bone structure-are hence involved in the early stages of different types of lifestyle transitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eli Amson
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde StuttgartDE‐70191StuttgartGermany
| | - Torsten M. Scheyer
- Palaeontological Institute and MuseumUniversity of ZurichZurichCH‐8006Switzerland
| | - Quentin Martinez
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde StuttgartDE‐70191StuttgartGermany
| | - Achim H. Schwermann
- LWL‐Museum für NaturkundeWestfälisches Landesmuseum mit PlanetariumDE‐48161MünsterGermany
| | - Daisuke Koyabu
- Research and Development Center for Precision MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukuba305‐8550Japan
| | - Kai He
- Key Laboratory of Conservation and Application in Biodiversity of South China, School of Life SciencesGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Reinhard Ziegler
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde StuttgartDE‐70191StuttgartGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Heart Position is Associated with Vertebral Regionalization in Two Species of Garter Snakes (Thamnophis). J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/21-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
5
|
Gillet A, Frédérich B, Pierce SE, Parmentier E. Iterative Habitat Transitions are Associated with Morphological Convergence of the Backbone in Delphinoids. J MAMM EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-022-09615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
6
|
Tian Z, Pu H, Cai D, Luo G, Zhao L, Li K, Zou J, Zhao X, Yu M, Wu Y, Yang T, Guo P, Hu X. Characterization of the bacterial microbiota in different gut and oral compartments of splendid japalure (Japalura sensu lato). BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:205. [PMID: 35624481 PMCID: PMC9137078 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gut and oral microbes form complex communities and play key roles in co-evolution with their hosts. However, little is understood about the bacterial community in lizards. Results In this study, we investigated the gut and oral bacterial communities in Japalura sensu lato from Sichuan Province, China, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that Bacteroidota (36.5%) and Firmicutes (32.8%) were the main phyla in the gut, while Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla in the oral cavity. 16 S rRNA sequencing analysis of fecal samples showed that: (1) Bacteroidota was the most abundant in Japalura sensu lato, which was different from the bacterial community of insectivorous animals; (2) Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Fusobacteriota, and Cyanobacteria were the most abundant phylum in Japalura sensu lato. (3) Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in Japalura sensu lato and other domestic insectivorous lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus, Phrynocephalus vlangalii, and Takydromus septentrionalis); (4) Comparing with the bacterial community of Shinisaurus crocodilurus, Phrynocephalus vlangalii, Takydromus septentrionalis, Liolaemus parvus, L. ruibali, and Phymaturus williamsi, Desulfobacterota was uniquely present in the gut of Japalura sensu lato. 16 S rRNA sequencing of oral samples showed that Chloroflexi and Deinococcota phyla were enriched in the oral cavity, which may have a significant influence on living in extreme environments. Conclusions Thus, based on 16 S rRNA sequencing analysis of the community composition of the gut and oral microbiomes, this study firstly represents a foundation for understanding the gut and oral microbial ecology of Japalura sensu lato, and constitutes a detail account of the diversity of the microbiota inhabiting the gut and oral cavity of Japalura sensu lato. Further researches will continue to reveal how gut and oral microbial communities may be impacting the ecology and evolution of lizards. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03300-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhige Tian
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Pu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Cai
- Sichuan Animal Disease Control Central, 610000, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangmei Luo
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 130000, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Li
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zou
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Yu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yayong Wu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiankuo Yang
- Aviation Medical Appraisal Center, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, 618307, Guanghan, China.
| | - Peng Guo
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoliang Hu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin University, 644000, Yibin, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Scholtes SJ, Arntzen JW, Ajduković M, Ivanović A. Variation in vertebrae shape across small-bodied newts reveals functional and developmental constraints acting upon the trunk region. J Anat 2022; 240:639-646. [PMID: 34761388 PMCID: PMC8930814 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The salamander vertebral column is largely undifferentiated with a series of more or less uniform rib-bearing presacral vertebrae traditionally designated as the trunk region. We explored regionalization of the salamander trunk in seven species and two subspecies of the salamander genus Lissotriton by the combination of microcomputed tomography scanning and geometric morphometrics. The detailed information on trunk vertebral shape was subjected to a multidimensional cluster analysis and a phenotypic trajectory analysis. With these complementary approaches, we observed a clear morphological regionalization. Clustering analysis showed that the anterior trunk vertebrae (T1 and T2) have distinct morphologies that are shared by all taxa, whereas the subsequent, more posterior vertebrae show significant disparity between species. The phenotypic trajectory analysis revealed that all taxa share a common pattern and amount of shape change along the trunk region. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis of a conserved anterior-posterior developmental patterning which can be associated with different functional demands, reflecting (sub)species' and, possibly, regional ecological divergences within species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyInstitute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”National Institute of Republic of SerbiaUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Diaz RE, Taylor-Diaz EA, Trainor PA, Diogo R, Molnar JL. Comparative development of limb musculature in phylogenetically and ecologically divergent lizards. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:1576-1612. [PMID: 34927301 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) exhibit incredible diversity in their locomotion, behavior, morphology, and ecological breadth. Although they often are used as models of locomotor diversity, surprisingly little attention has been given to muscle development in squamate reptiles. In fact, the most detailed examination was conducted almost 80 years ago and solely focused on the proximal limb regions. Herein, we present forelimb and hindlimb muscle morphogenesis data for three lizard species with different locomotion and feeding strategies: the desert grassland whiptail lizard, the central bearded dragon, and the veiled chameleon. This study fills critical gaps in our understanding of muscle morphogenesis in squamate reptiles and presents a comparative and temporospatial analysis of muscle development. RESULTS Our results reveal a conserved pattern of early muscle development among lizards with different adult morphologies and ecologies. The variations that exist are concentrated in distal regions, particularly the specialized autopodia of chameleons, where differentiation of muscles associated with the digits is delayed. CONCLUSIONS The chameleon autopod provides an example of major evolutionary modifications to the skeleton with only minor disruption of the conserved order and pattern of limb muscle development. This robustness of muscle patterning facilitates the evolution of extreme yet functional phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul E Diaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Herpetology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Taylor-Diaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Investigator, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Rui Diogo
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Julia L Molnar
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Wang L, Yu D, Hao J, Zhang L, Adeola AC, Mao B, Gao Y, Wu S, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Ren J, Mu C, Irwin DM, Wang L, Hai T, Xie H, Zhang Y. Single-cell RNA-sequencing Reveals Thoracolumbar Vertebra Heterogeneity and Rib-genesis in Pigs. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 19:423-436. [PMID: 34775075 PMCID: PMC8864194 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thoracolumbar vertebra (TLV) and rib primordium (RP) development is a common evolutionary feature across vertebrates, although whole-organism analysis of TLV and RP gene expression dynamics has been lacking. Here we investigated the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of thoracic vertebra (TV), lumbar vertebra (LV), and RP cells from a pig embryo at 27 days post-fertilization (dpf) and identified six cell types with distinct gene-expression signatures. In-depth dissection of the gene-expression dynamics and RNA velocity revealed a coupled process of osteogenesis and angiogenesis during TLV and rib development. Further analysis of cell-type-specific and strand-specific expression uncovered the extremely high levels of Hoxa10 3'-untranslated region (UTR) sequence specific to osteoblast of LV cells, which may function as anti-Hoxa10-antisense by counteracting the Hoxa10-antisense effect to determine TLV transition. Thus, this work provides a valuable resource for understanding embryonic osteogenesis and angiogenesis underlying vertebrate TLV and RP development at the cell-type-specific resolution, which serves as a comprehensive view on the transcriptional profile of animal embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Ligang Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dawei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junfeng Hao
- Core Facility for Protein Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Longchao Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Adeniyi C. Adeola
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Bingyu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Yun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Shifang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Chunling Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10010, China
| | - Jilong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changgai Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - David M. Irwin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Tang Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Haibing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yaping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Camaiti M, Evans AR, Hipsley CA, Chapple DG. A farewell to arms and legs: a review of limb reduction in squamates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1035-1050. [PMID: 33538028 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Elongated snake-like bodies associated with limb reduction have evolved multiple times throughout vertebrate history. Limb-reduced squamates (lizards and snakes) account for the vast majority of these morphological transformations, and thus have great potential for revealing macroevolutionary transitions and modes of body-shape transformation. Here we present a comprehensive review on limb reduction, in which we examine and discuss research on these dramatic morphological transitions. Historically, there have been several approaches to the study of squamate limb reduction: (i) definitions of general anatomical principles of snake-like body shapes, expressed as varying relationships between body parts and morphometric measurements; (ii) framing of limb reduction from an evolutionary perspective using morphological comparisons; (iii) defining developmental mechanisms involved in the ontogeny of limb-reduced forms, and their genetic basis; (iv) reconstructions of the evolutionary history of limb-reduced lineages using phylogenetic comparative methods; (v) studies of functional and biomechanical aspects of limb-reduced body shapes; and (vi) studies of ecological and biogeographical correlates of limb reduction. For each of these approaches, we highlight their importance in advancing our understanding, as well as their weaknesses and limitations. Lastly, we provide suggestions to stimulate further studies, in which we underscore the necessity of widening the scope of analyses, and of bringing together different perspectives in order to understand better these morphological transitions and their evolution. In particular, we emphasise the importance of investigating and comparing the internal morphology of limb-reduced lizards in contrast to external morphology, which will be the first step in gaining a deeper insight into body-shape variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Camaiti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 19 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alistair R Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 19 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christy A Hipsley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Department of Sciences, Museums Victoria, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - David G Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 19 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ebel R, Müller J, Ramm T, Hipsley C, Amson E. First evidence of convergent lifestyle signal in reptile skull roof microanatomy. BMC Biol 2020; 18:185. [PMID: 33250048 PMCID: PMC7702674 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of convergently acquired adaptations allows fundamental insight into life's evolutionary history. Within lepidosaur reptiles-i.e. lizards, tuatara, and snakes-a fully fossorial ('burrowing') lifestyle has independently evolved in most major clades. However, despite their consistent use of the skull as a digging tool, cranial modifications common to all these lineages are yet to be found. In particular, bone microanatomy, although highly diagnostic for lifestyle, remains unexplored in the lepidosaur cranium. This constitutes a key gap in our understanding of their complexly interwoven ecology, morphology, and evolution. In order to bridge this gap, we reconstructed the acquisition of a fossorial lifestyle in 2813 lepidosaurs and assessed the skull roof compactness from microCT cross-sections in a representative subset (n = 99). We tested this and five macroscopic morphological traits for their convergent evolution. RESULTS We found that fossoriality evolved independently in 54 lepidosaur lineages. Furthermore, a highly compact skull roof, small skull diameter, elongate cranium, and low length ratio of frontal and parietal were repeatedly acquired in concert with a fossorial lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS We report a novel case of convergence that concerns lepidosaur diversity as a whole. Our findings further indicate an early evolution of fossorial modifications in the amphisbaenian 'worm-lizards' and support a fossorial origin for snakes. Nonetheless, our results suggest distinct evolutionary pathways between fossorial lizards and snakes through different contingencies. We thus provide novel insights into the evolutionary mechanisms and constraints underlying amniote diversity and a powerful tool for the reconstruction of extinct reptile ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Ebel
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute for Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Johannes Müller
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Ramm
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Christy Hipsley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- Sciences Department, Museums Victoria, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Eli Amson
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Urošević A, Ajduković M, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A. Morphological integration and serial homology: A case study of the cranium and anterior vertebrae in salamanders. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Urošević
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” National Institute of Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Maja Ajduković
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” National Institute of Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | | | - Ana Ivanović
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Institute of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou J, Zhao YT, Dai YY, Jiang YJ, Lin LH, Li H, Li P, Qu YF, Ji X. Captivity affects diversity, abundance, and functional pathways of gut microbiota in the northern grass lizard Takydromus septentrionalis. Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e1095. [PMID: 32666685 PMCID: PMC7520994 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals in captivity undergo a range of environmental changes from wild animals. An increasing number of studies show that captivity significantly affects the abundance and community structure of gut microbiota. The northern grass lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis) is an extensively studied lacertid lizard and has a distributional range covering the central and southeastern parts of China. Nonetheless, little is known about the gut microbiota of this species, which may play a certain role in nutrient and energy metabolism as well as immune homeostasis. Here, we examined the differences in the gut microbiota between two groups (wild and captive) of lizards through 16S rRNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq platform. The results demonstrated that the dominant microbial components in both groups consisted of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Tenericutes. The two groups did not differ in the abundance of these three phyla. Citrobacter was the most dominant genus in wild lizards, while Morganella was the most dominant genus in captive lizards. Moreover, gene function predictions showed that genes at the KEGG pathway levels2 were more abundant in wild lizards than in captive lizards but, at the KEGG pathway levels1, the differences in gene abundances between wild and captive lizards were not significant. In summary, captivity exerted a significant impact on the gut microbial community structure and diversity in T. septentrionalis, and future work could usefully investigate the causes of these changes using a comparative approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Tian Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Yu Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Jin Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long-Hui Lin
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Fu Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Scaal M. Development of the amniote ventrolateral body wall. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:39-59. [PMID: 32406962 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the trunk consists of the musculoskeletal structures of the back and the ventrolateral body wall, which together enclose the internal organs of the circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urogenital systems. This review gives an overview on the development of the thoracic and abdominal wall during amniote embryogenesis. Specifically, I briefly summarize relevant historical concepts and the present knowledge on the early embryonic development of ribs, sternum, intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles with respect to anatomical bauplan, origin and specification of precursor cells, initial steps of pattern formation, and cellular and molecular regulation of morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Scaal
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy II, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Abstract
The origin of birds from their terrestrial antecedents was accompanied by a wholesale transformation of their skeleton as they transitioned from a terrestrial to aerial realm. Part of this dramatic transformation is the reduction of separate vertebral elements into regional fusions to limit axial flexibility. This is partially mirrored within the development of the axial column, with regions of the axial column experiencing increasing morphological modularity and the loss of skeletal elements through vertebral fusions. Using a detailed description of the morphological development of the axial column in the model domestic chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus, we present a map of axial ossification based on discrete characters. Delays in ossification are found to occur in conjunction with the formation of fusions. Our study shows that the pattern and sequence of fusion and ossification during development may reflect the presence of independent modules as subsets within the typical regions of the avian axial column. Interestingly, few of these fusion modules correspond to the initial axial Hox expression patterns, suggesting another patterning mechanism is driving axial fusion regionalization. Additionally, two regions of fusion are discovered in the synsacrum. The anterior region of seven fused synsacrals may correspond to the non-ornithuran pygostylian synsacrum of the same number of vertebrae.
Collapse
|
16
|
Paparella I, LeBlanc ARH, Doschak MR, Caldwell MW. The iliosacral joint in lizards: an osteological and histological analysis. J Anat 2020; 236:668-687. [PMID: 31903561 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the iliosacral joint (ISJ) in tetrapods represented a crucial step in the evolution of terrestrial locomotion. This structure is responsible for transferring forces between the vertebral column and appendicular skeleton, thus supporting the bodyweight on land. However, most research dealing with the water-to-land transition and biomechanical studies in general has focused exclusively on the articulation between the pelvic girdle and femur. Our knowledge about the contact between the pelvic girdle and vertebral column (i.e. the ISJ) at a tissue level is restricted so far to human anatomy, with little to no information available on other tetrapods. This lack of data limits our understanding of the development and evolution of such a key structure, and thus on the pattern and processes of the evolution of terrestrial locomotion. Therefore, we investigated the macro- and microanatomy of the ISJ in limb-bearing squamates that, similar to most non-mammalian, non-avian tetrapods, possess only two sacral ribs articulating with the posterior process of the ilium. Using a combination of osteology, micro-computed tomography and histology, we collected data on the ISJ apparatus of numerous specimens, sampling different taxa and different ontogenetic stages. Osteologically, we recorded consistent variability in all three processes of the ilium (preacetabular, supracetabular and posterior) and sacral ribs that correlate with posture and locomotion. The presence of a cavity between the ilium and sacral ribs, abundant articular cartilage and fibrocartilage, and a surrounding membrane of dense fibrous connective tissue allowed us to define this contact as a synovial joint. By comparison, the two sacral ribs are connected to each other mostly by dense fibrous tissue, with some cartilage found more distally along the margins of the two ribs, defining this joint as a combination of a syndesmosis and synchondrosis. Considering the intermediary position of the ISJ between the axial and appendicular skeletons, the shape of the articular surfaces of the sacral ribs and ilium, and the characteristics of the muscles associated with this structure, we argue that the mobility of the ISJ is primarily driven by the movements of the hindlimb during locomotion. We hypothesize that limited torsion of the ilium at the ISJ happens when the hip is abducted, and the joint is likely able to absorb the compressional and extensional forces related to the protraction and retraction of the femur. The mix of fibres and cartilage between the two sacral ribs instead serves primarily as a shock absorber, with the potential for limited vertical translation during locomotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Paparella
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aaron R H LeBlanc
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael R Doschak
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael W Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grinham LR, Norman DB. The pelvis as an anatomical indicator for facultative bipedality and substrate use in lepidosaurs. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Facultative bipedality is regarded as an enigmatic middle ground in the evolution of obligate bipedality and is associated with high mechanical demands in extant lepidosaurs. Traits linked with this phenomenon are largely associated with the caudal end of the animal: hindlimbs and tail. The articulation of the pelvis with both of these structures suggests a morphofunctional role in the use of a facultative locomotor mode. Using a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach, we examine the pelvic osteology and associated functional implications for 34 species of extant lepidosaur. Anatomical trends associated with the use of a bipedal locomotor mode and substrate preferences are correlated and functionally interpreted based on musculoskeletal descriptions. Changes in pelvic osteology associated with a facultatively bipedal locomotor mode are similar to those observed in species preferring arboreal substrates, indicating shared functionality between these ecologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke R Grinham
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David B Norman
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Feiner N. Evolutionary lability in Hox cluster structure and gene expression in Anolis lizards. Evol Lett 2019; 3:474-484. [PMID: 31636940 PMCID: PMC6791295 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes orchestrate development by patterning the embryonic axis. Vertebrate Hox genes are arranged in four compact clusters, and the spacing between genes is assumed to be crucial for their function. The genomes of squamate reptiles are unusually rich and variable in transposable elements (TEs), and it has been suggested that TE invasion is responsible for the Hox cluster expansion seen in snakes and lizards. Using de novo TE prediction on 17 genomes of lizards and snakes, I show that TE content of Hox clusters are generally 50% lower than genome‐wide TE levels. However, two distantly related lizards of the species‐rich genus Anolis have Hox clusters with a TE content that approaches genomic levels. The age distribution of TEs in Anolis lizards revealed that peaks of TE activity broadly coincide with speciation events. In accordance with theoretical models of Hox cluster regulation, I find that Anolis species with many TEs in their Hox clusters show aberrant Hox gene expression patterns, suggesting a functional link between TE accumulation and embryonic development. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that TEs play a role in developmental processes as well as in evolutionary diversifications.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sherratt E, Coutts FJ, Rasmussen AR, Sanders KL. Vertebral evolution and ontogenetic allometry: The developmental basis of extreme body shape divergence in microcephalic sea snakes. Evol Dev 2019; 21:135-144. [DOI: 10.1111/ede.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sherratt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Felicity J. Coutts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Earth Sciences Section, South Australian Museum Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Arne R. Rasmussen
- The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kate L. Sanders
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
An Integrative View of Lepidosaur Cranial Anatomy, Development, and Diversification. HEADS, JAWS, AND MUSCLES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-93560-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
21
|
Love AC, Yoshida Y. Reflections on Model Organisms in Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Results Probl Cell Differ 2019; 68:3-20. [PMID: 31598850 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23459-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reflects on and makes explicit the distinctiveness of reasoning practices associated with model organisms in the context of evolutionary developmental research. Model organisms in evo-devo instantiate a unique synthesis of model systems strategies from developmental biology and comparative strategies from evolutionary biology that negotiate a tension between developmental conservation and evolutionary change to address scientific questions about the evolution of development and the developmental basis of evolutionary change. We review different categories of model systems that have been advanced to understand practices found in the life sciences in order to comprehend how evo-devo model organisms instantiate this synthesis in the context of three examples: the starlet sea anemone and the evolution of bilateral symmetry, leeches and the origins of segmentation in bilaterians, and the corn snake to understand major evolutionary change in axial and appendicular morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Love
- Department of Philosophy and Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Yoshinari Yoshida
- Department of Philosophy and Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Passos P, Scanferla A, Melo-Sampaio PR, Brito J, Almendariz A. A giant on the ground: another large-bodied Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadinae) from Ecuadorian Andes, with comments on the dietary specializations of the goo-eaters snakes. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2018; 91:e20170976. [PMID: 29791565 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Body-size is significantly correlated with the number of vertebrae (pleomerism) in multiple vertebrate lineages, indicating that somitogenesis process is an important factor dictating evolutionary change associated to phyletic allometry and, consequently, species fitness and diversification. However, the role of the evolution of extreme body sizes (dwarfism and gigantism) remains elusive in snakes, mainly with respect to postnatal ontogeny in dietary preferences associated with evolution of gigantism in many lineages. We described herein a new species in the highly diversified and species-rich genus Atractus on the basis of four specimens from the southeastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. The new species is morphologically similar and apparently closely related to two other allopatric giant congeners (A. gigas and A. touzeti), from which it can be distinguished by their distinct dorsal and ventral coloration, the number of supralabial and infralabial scales, the number of maxillary teeth, and relative width of the head. In addition, we discuss on the ontogenetic trajectories hypotheses and dietary specializations related to evolution of gigantism in the goo-eaters genus Atractus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Passos
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Agustín Scanferla
- CONICET, Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO), 9 de Julio 14 (A4405BBB), 4405, Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina
| | - Paulo R Melo-Sampaio
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Brito
- Museo de Historia Natural, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Av. Ladrón de Guevara, PB 17-01-2759, Quito, Ecuador.,Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Calle Rumipamba 341 y Av. de los Shyris, PB 17-07-8976, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ana Almendariz
- Museo de Historia Natural, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Av. Ladrón de Guevara, PB 17-01-2759, Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Woltering JM, Holzem M, Schneider RF, Nanos V, Meyer A. The skeletal ontogeny of Astatotilapia burtoni - a direct-developing model system for the evolution and development of the teleost body plan. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:8. [PMID: 29614958 PMCID: PMC5883283 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The experimental approach to the evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton has to a large extent relied on “direct-developing” amniote model organisms, such as the mouse and the chicken. These organisms can however only be partially informative where it concerns secondarily lost features or anatomical novelties not present in their lineages. The widely used anamniotes Xenopus and zebrafish are “indirect-developing” organisms that proceed through an extended time as free-living larvae, before adopting many aspects of their adult morphology, complicating experiments at these stages, and increasing the risk for lethal pleiotropic effects using genetic strategies. Results Here, we provide a detailed description of the development of the osteology of the African mouthbrooding cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, primarily focusing on the trunk (spinal column, ribs and epicentrals) and the appendicular skeleton (pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, anal, caudal fins and scales), and to a lesser extent on the cranium. We show that this species has an extremely “direct” mode of development, attains an adult body plan within 2 weeks after fertilization while living off its yolk supply only, and does not pass through a prolonged larval period. Conclusions As husbandry of this species is easy, generation time is short, and the species is amenable to genetic targeting strategies through microinjection, we suggest that the use of this direct-developing cichlid will provide a valuable model system for the study of the vertebrate body plan, particularly where it concerns the evolution and development of fish or teleost specific traits. Based on our results we comment on the development of the homocercal caudal fin, on shared ontogenetic patterns between pectoral and pelvic girdles, and on the evolution of fin spines as novelty in acanthomorph fishes. We discuss the differences between “direct” and “indirect” developing actinopterygians using a comparison between zebrafish and A. burtoni development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost M Woltering
- Chair in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| | - Michaela Holzem
- Chair in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Constance, Germany.,Current address: Department of Biological an Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Oxford, OX3 0 BP, UK
| | - Ralf F Schneider
- Chair in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Vasilios Nanos
- Chair in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Axel Meyer
- Chair in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jimenez R, Ikonomopoulou MP, Lopez JA, Miles JJ. Immune drug discovery from venoms. Toxicon 2017; 141:18-24. [PMID: 29170055 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This review catalogues recent advances in knowledge on venoms as standalone therapeutic agents or as blueprints for drug design, with an emphasis on venom-derived compounds that affects the immune system. We discuss venoms and venom-derived compounds that affect total immune cell numbers, immune cell proliferation, immune cell migration, immune cell phenotype and cytokine secretion. Identifying novel compounds that 'tune' the system, up-regulating the immune response during infectious disease and cancer and down-regulating the immune response during autoimmunity, will greatly expand the tool kit of human immunotherapeutics. Targeting these pathways may also open therapeutic options that alleviate symptoms of envenomation. Finally, combining recent advances in venomics with progress in low cost, high-throughput screening platforms will no doubt yield hundreds of prototype immune modulating compounds in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Jimenez
- Griffith University, School of Natural Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Alejandro Lopez
- Griffith University, School of Natural Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- Griffith University, School of Natural Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, AITHM, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia; Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Slijepčević MD, Ukropina M, Filipović B, Ivanović A. Ossification and development of vertebrae in the Balkan crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi (Salamandridae, Caudata). ZOOLOGY 2017; 126:164-171. [PMID: 29113765 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vertebral morphology, development, and evolution have been investigated for many decades, especially in the recent evo-devo era. Nevertheless, comparative data on development and ossification modes within the major tetrapod groups are scarce and frequently suffer from the use of a simplistic approach, resulting in simplistic generalizations about the formation of tetrapod vertebrae. Here, we describe the development and ossification of trunk vertebrae in Triturus ivanbureschi (Salamandridae, Caudata) and compare the results with published data on other related taxa. In so doing, we focus on the modes of ossification and development of the centrum and neural arches by analysing three developmental stages defined by the degree of limb development: stages 47, 52, and 62 according to Glücksohn (1932). Our examination of histological sections through trunk vertebrae enabled us to identify three modes of ossification within single trunk vertebrae: (i) perichordal (direct ossification of the connective tissue surrounding the notochord); (ii) perichondrial (direct ossification of the perichondrium, consisting of cartilage-covering connective tissue), and (iii) endochondral (ossification within the preformed cartilage template). We also noted the presence of intravertebral or notochordal cartilage. Although our results indicate that this cartilage develops within the notochord surrounded by the continuous notochordal sheath, more detailed further studies could shed light on its origin and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja D Slijepčević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Mirela Ukropina
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branko Filipović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Buchholtz EA, Gee JK. Finding sacral: Developmental evolution of the axial skeleton of odontocetes (Cetacea). Evol Dev 2017; 19:190-204. [PMID: 28726248 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Buchholtz
- Department of Biological Sciences; Wellesley College; Wellesley Massachusetts
| | - Jessica K. Gee
- Department of Biological Sciences; Wellesley College; Wellesley Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Govedarica P, Cvijanović M, Slijepčević M, Ivanović A. Trunk elongation and ontogenetic changes in the axial skeleton ofTriturusnewts. J Morphol 2017; 278:1577-1585. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Petar Govedarica
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16; 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Milena Cvijanović
- University of Belgrade; Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bul. Despota Stefana 142; 11060 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Maja Slijepčević
- University of Belgrade; Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bul. Despota Stefana 142; 11060 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Ana Ivanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology; Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16; 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Urošević A, Slijepčević MD, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A. Vertebral shape and body elongation in Triturus newts. ZOOLOGY 2016; 119:439-446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
29
|
Shylo NA, Weatherbee SD. Of Mice and Snakes: A Tail of Oct4. Dev Cell 2016; 38:224-6. [PMID: 27505413 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate axial skeleton comprises regions of specialized vertebrae, which vary in length between lineages. Aires et al. (2016) uncover a key role for Oct4 in determining trunk length in mice. Additionally, a heterochronic shift in Oct4 expression may underlie the extreme elongation of the trunk in snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Shylo
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Aires R, Jurberg AD, Leal F, Nóvoa A, Cohn MJ, Mallo M. Oct4 Is a Key Regulator of Vertebrate Trunk Length Diversity. Dev Cell 2016; 38:262-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
31
|
Abstract
Hox proteins are a deeply conserved group of transcription factors originally defined for their critical roles in governing segmental identity along the antero-posterior (AP) axis in
Drosophila. Over the last 30 years, numerous data generated in evolutionarily diverse taxa have clearly shown that changes in the expression patterns of these genes are closely associated with the regionalization of the AP axis, suggesting that
Hox genes have played a critical role in the evolution of novel body plans within Bilateria. Despite this deep functional conservation and the importance of these genes in AP patterning, key questions remain regarding many aspects of
Hox biology. In this commentary, we highlight recent reports that have provided novel insight into the origins of the mammalian
Hox cluster, the role of
Hox genes in the generation of a limbless body plan, and a novel putative mechanism in which
Hox genes may encode specificity along the AP axis. Although the data discussed here offer a fresh perspective, it is clear that there is still much to learn about
Hox biology and the roles it has played in the evolution of the Bilaterian body plan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Hrycaj
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2200, USA
| | - Deneen M Wellik
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2200, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2200, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Slijepčević M, Galis F, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A. Homeotic transformations and number changes in the vertebral column of Triturus newts. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1397. [PMID: 26587355 PMCID: PMC4647568 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored intraspecific variation in vertebral formulae, more specifically the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae and frequencies of transitional sacral vertebrae in Triturus newts (Caudata: Salamandridae). Within salamandrid salamanders this monophyletic group shows the highest disparity in the number of thoracic vertebrae and considerable intraspecific variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae. Triturus species also differ in their ecological preferences, from predominantly terrestrial to largely aquatic. Following Geoffroy St. Hilaire's and Darwin's rule which states that structures with a large number of serially homologous repetitive elements are more variable than structures with smaller numbers, we hypothesized that the variation in vertebral formulae increases in more elongated species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. We furthermore hypothesized that the frequency of transitional vertebrae will be correlated with the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae within the species. We also investigated potential effects of species hybridization on the vertebral formula. The proportion of individuals with a number of thoracic vertebrae different from the modal number and the range of variation in number of vertebrae significantly increased in species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. Contrary to our expectation, the frequencies of transitional vertebrae were not correlated with frequencies of change in the complete vertebrae number. The frequency of transitional sacral vertebra in hybrids did not significantly differ from that of the parental species. Such a pattern could be a result of selection pressure against transitional vertebrae and/or a bias towards the development of full vertebrae numbers. Although our data indicate relaxed selection for vertebral count changes in more elongated, aquatic species, more data on different selective pressures in species with different numbers of vertebrae in the two contrasting, terrestrial and aquatic environments are needed to test for causality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Slijepčević
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Ana Ivanović
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Singarete ME, Grizante MB, Milograna SR, Nery MF, Kin K, Wagner GP, Kohlsdorf T. Molecular evolution of HoxA13 and the multiple origins of limbless morphologies in amphibians and reptiles. Genet Mol Biol 2015; 38:255-62. [PMID: 26500429 PMCID: PMC4612600 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-475738320150039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental processes and their results, morphological characters, are inherited through transmission of genes regulating development. While there is ample evidence that cis-regulatory elements tend to be modular, with sequence segments dedicated to different roles, the situation for proteins is less clear, being particularly complex for transcription factors with multiple functions. Some motifs mediating protein-protein interactions may be exclusive to particular developmental roles, but it is also possible that motifs are mostly shared among different processes. Here we focus on HoxA13, a protein essential for limb development. We asked whether the HoxA13 amino acid sequence evolved similarly in three limbless clades: Gymnophiona, Amphisbaenia and Serpentes. We explored variation in ω (dN/dS) using a maximum-likelihood framework and HoxA13sequences from 47 species. Comparisons of evolutionary models provided low ω global values and no evidence that HoxA13 experienced relaxed selection in limbless clades. Branch-site models failed to detect evidence for positive selection acting on any site along branches of Amphisbaena and Gymnophiona, while three sites were identified in Serpentes. Examination of alignments did not reveal consistent sequence differences between limbed and limbless species. We conclude that HoxA13 has no modules exclusive to limb development, which may be explained by its involvement in multiple developmental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Singarete
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana B Grizante
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA. ; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sarah R Milograna
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana F Nery
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. ; Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Koryu Kin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Günter P Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. ; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tiana Kohlsdorf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. ; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Woltering JM, Duboule D. Tetrapod axial evolution and developmental constraints; Empirical underpinning by a mouse model. Mech Dev 2015; 138 Pt 2:64-72. [PMID: 26238020 PMCID: PMC4678112 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The tetrapod vertebral column has become increasingly complex during evolution as an adaptation to a terrestrial life. At the same time, the evolution of the vertebral formula became subject to developmental constraints acting on the size of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar regions. In the course of our studies concerning the evolution of Hox gene regulation, we produced a transgenic mouse model expressing fish Hox genes, which displayed a reduced number of thoraco-lumbar vertebrae and concurrent sacral homeotic transformations. Here, we analyze this mutant stock and conclude that the ancestral, pre-tetrapodial Hox code already possessed the capacity to induce vertebrae with sacral characteristics. This suggests that alterations in the interpretation of the Hox code may have participated to the evolution of this region in tetrapods, along with potential modifications of the HOX proteins themselves. With its reduced vertebral number, this mouse stock violates a previously described developmental constraint, which applies to the thoraco-lumbar region. The resulting offset between motor neuron morphology, vertebral patterning and the relative positioning of hind limbs illustrates that the precise orchestration of the Hox-clock in parallel with other ontogenetic pathways places constraints on the evolvability of the body plan. A transgenic mouse line expressing fish Hox genes has anterior homeotic transformations. Fish Hox genes are capable of inducing tetrapod specific vertebral characters. A sacral Hox-code influences adult hindlimb position, yet not the position of limb budding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost M Woltering
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Denis Duboule
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Head JJ, Polly PD. Evolution of the snake body form reveals homoplasy in amniote Hox gene function. Nature 2015; 520:86-9. [PMID: 25539083 DOI: 10.1038/nature14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes regulate regionalization of the axial skeleton in vertebrates, and changes in their expression have been proposed to be a fundamental mechanism driving the evolution of new body forms. The origin of the snake-like body form, with its deregionalized pre-cloacal axial skeleton, has been explained as either homogenization of Hox gene expression domains, or retention of standard vertebrate Hox domains with alteration of downstream expression that suppresses development of distinct regions. Both models assume a highly regionalized ancestor, but the extent of deregionalization of the primaxial domain (vertebrae, dorsal ribs) of the skeleton in snake-like body forms has never been analysed. Here we combine geometric morphometrics and maximum-likelihood analysis to show that the pre-cloacal primaxial domain of elongate, limb-reduced lizards and snakes is not deregionalized compared with limbed taxa, and that the phylogenetic structure of primaxial morphology in reptiles does not support a loss of regionalization in the evolution of snakes. We demonstrate that morphometric regional boundaries correspond to mapped gene expression domains in snakes, suggesting that their primaxial domain is patterned by a normally functional Hox code. Comparison of primaxial osteology in fossil and modern amniotes with Hox gene distributions within Amniota indicates that a functional, sequentially expressed Hox code patterned a subtle morphological gradient along the anterior-posterior axis in stem members of amniote clades and extant lizards, including snakes. The highly regionalized skeletons of extant archosaurs and mammals result from independent evolution in the Hox code and do not represent ancestral conditions for clades with snake-like body forms. The developmental origin of snakes is best explained by decoupling of the primaxial and abaxial domains and by increases in somite number, not by changes in the function of primaxial Hox genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Head
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Nebraska State Museum of Natural History, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0340, USA
| | - P David Polly
- Departments of Geological Sciences, Biology and Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-1405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cundall D, Tuttman C, Close M. A Model of the Anterior Esophagus in Snakes, with Functional and Developmental Implications. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 297:586-98. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Cundall
- Department of Biological Sciences; Lehigh University; 1 W. Packer Avenue Bethlehem Pennsylvania
| | - Cassandra Tuttman
- Department of Biological Sciences; Lehigh University; 1 W. Packer Avenue Bethlehem Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew Close
- Department of Biological Sciences; Lehigh University; 1 W. Packer Avenue Bethlehem Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
cis-regulatory change associated with snake body plan evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:10473-4. [PMID: 23749870 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1307778110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
38
|
Lara-Ramírez R, Zieger E, Schubert M. Retinoic acid signaling in spinal cord development. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1302-13. [PMID: 23579094 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is an important signaling molecule mediating intercellular communication through vertebrate development. Here, we present and discuss recent information on the roles of the RA signaling pathway in spinal cord development. RA is an important player in the patterning and definition of the spinal cord territory from very early stages of development, even before the appearance of the neural plate and further serves a role in the patterning of the spinal cord both along the dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes, particularly in the promotion of neuronal differentiation. It is thus required to establish a variety of neuronal cell types at specific positions of the spinal cord. The main goal of this review is to gather information from vertebrate models, including fish, frogs, chicken and mice, and to put this information in a comparative context in an effort to visualize how the RA pathway was incorporated into the evolving vertebrate spinal cord and to identify mechanisms that are both common and different in the various vertebrate models. In doing so, we try to reconstruct how spinal cord development has been regulated by the RA signaling cascade through vertebrate diversification, highlighting areas which require further studies to obtain a better understanding of the evolutionary events that shaped this structure in the vertebrate lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Lara-Ramírez
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer, UMR 7009 - CNRS/UPMC, EvoInSiDe Team, Observatoire Océanologique, 181 Chemin du Lazaret, BP 28, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The vertebrate A-P axis is a time axis. The head is made first and more and more posterior levels are made at later and later stages. This is different to the situation in most other animals, for example, in Drosophila. Central to this timing is Hox temporal collinearity (see below). This occurs rarely in the animal kingdom but is characteristic of vertebrates and is used to generate the primary axial Hox pattern using time space translation and to integrate successive derived patterns (see below). This is thus a different situation than in Drosophila, where the primary pattern guiding Hox spatial collinearity is generated externally, by the gap and segmentation genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aj Durston
- Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Sylvius Laboratory, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|