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Juliana G Roscito1, Pedro M S Nunes, Miguel T Rodrigues

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Limb reduction in lizards (Gymnophthalmidae) shows two patterns: minor digit loss or drastic limb loss. This study explores evolutionary and developmental mechanisms, including Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling, underlying these diverse limb morphologies.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Herpetology

Background:

  • Tetrapod limb diversity arises from modifications of the ancestral pentadactyl pattern.
  • Limb reduction is common in squamate reptiles, but evolutionary and developmental mechanisms remain poorly understood.
  • The Gymnophthalmidae family exhibits a wide range of limb reduction, from minor digit loss to complete limblessness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To overview limb morphology in the microteiid lizard group Gymnophthalmidae, focusing on digit arrangement.
  • To identify patterns of limb reduction within Gymnophthalmidae and compare them to other tetrapods.
  • To investigate the role of molecular signaling pathways, such as Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), in limb development during reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative morphological analysis of limb elements and digit arrangement across Gymnophthalmidae species.
  • Examination of limb reduction patterns in relation to evolutionary history and environmental factors.
  • Analysis of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) gene expression in developing limbs of a serpentiform gymnophthalmid.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct groups of limb-reduced gymnophthalmids were identified: those with minor digit reductions (e.g., phalange loss) and those with drastic limb reduction, including limblessness.
  • Minor reductions in Gymnophthalmidae often involve digits I and V, consistent with patterns seen in other squamates.
  • Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) expression patterns were analyzed in the greatly reduced limbs of a serpentiform gymnophthalmid, providing insights into developmental regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Limb reduction in Gymnophthalmidae follows distinct evolutionary pathways, reflecting both conserved squamate patterns and unique adaptations.
  • Understanding limb reduction requires integrating morphological, evolutionary, and molecular developmental data.
  • The study highlights the importance of molecular signaling pathways, like Shh, in shaping tetrapod limb diversity and reduction.