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Evolution and development of mammalian limb integumentary structures.

Mark W Hamrick1

  • 1Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA. mhamrick@mail.mcg.edu

Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution
|September 2, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Mammalian limb evolution involves changes in skin structures like claws and pads, driven by gene expression. These molecular changes explain diverse morphologies across species.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Comparative morphology

Background:

  • Mammalian adaptive radiation features significant limb morphology changes affecting skeletal and integumentary structures.
  • Integumentary structures like nails, claws, and volar pads exhibit diverse forms linked to foraging behaviors (arboreal, terrestrial, aquatic).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the developmental and genetic mechanisms underlying interspecific variation in mammalian limb integumentary structures.
  • To correlate morphological differences in claws and pads with evolutionary adaptations.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of nail, claw, and volar pad development across different mammalian species.
  • Gene expression analysis during the development of these integumentary structures.

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Main Results:

  • Interspecific variation in morphology is associated with subtle differences in mesenchymal and ectodermal patterning.
  • Signaling molecules Msx1 and Hoxc13 are crucial for the morphogenesis of claws and pads.
  • Evolutionary changes in gene expression and cellular responses underlie morphological diversity.

Conclusions:

  • Evolutionary changes in gene expression and cell signaling pathways drive the diversification of mammalian limb integumentary structures.
  • Comparative morphology, developmental studies, and genomics illuminate the mechanisms of evolutionary change in these structures.