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Developmental basis of limb evolution.

J Richard Hinchliffe1

  • 1jkh@aber.ac.uk

The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|November 29, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Developmental processes and gene expression patterns offer insights into vertebrate limb homology. A conserved, dynamic developmental blueprint, influenced by heterochrony, may explain the pentadactyl limb structure across species.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary developmental biology
  • Comparative embryology
  • Molecular genetics

Background:

  • Vertebrate limb homology describes the shared structural similarities in limbs across diverse species, often modified by evolutionary adaptations.
  • Understanding limb homology requires integrating evidence from molecular studies, experimental embryology, and classical descriptive anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether developmental processes can account for vertebrate limb homology.
  • To explore the role of gene expression patterns and developmental timing in establishing conserved limb structures.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of homologous regulatory gene expression patterns (e.g., Shh, Hox A & D genes) in tetrapod limb buds and teleost fish paired fin buds.
  • Review of experimental embryology, descriptive embryology, and structural anatomy.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Integration of evidence from the fin-limb transition and amphibian/avian limb embryology.

    • Main Results:

    • Similar patterns of homologous regulatory gene expression are observed in tetrapod limb buds and fish fin buds, though differences exist.
    • Current data from limited tetrapod species (chick, mouse) preclude a definitive 'molecular bauplan' for limbs.
    • Similar gene networks in non-homologous systems complicate finding expression-based homology.
    • Evidence points towards a conserved, dynamic developmental bauplan for the pentadactyl skeleton, including features like the digital arch and a maximum of 5 digits.

    Conclusions:

    • A conserved, dynamic developmental bauplan, potentially including heterochrony (differences in timing of developmental events), underlies vertebrate limb structure, particularly the pentadactyl limb.
    • This bauplan is not rigidly fixed, allowing for evolutionary modifications, with heterochrony playing a role in changes to the pentadactyl pattern.