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When the Snake Lost Its Limbs, What Did the Mouse and Lizard Say?
1University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.
Developmental Cell
|October 14, 2015
Summary
Scientists found shared regulatory DNA sequences control the development of limbs and genitalia across mice, lizards, and snakes. Deleting a common enhancer disrupted development in both areas, highlighting conserved genetic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Comparative genomics
- Developmental biology
- Evolutionary developmental biology
Background:
- Regulatory DNA sequences play a crucial role in controlling gene expression during development.
- Understanding the conservation and divergence of these sequences across species can provide insights into evolutionary processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare regulatory DNA sequences in mice, lizards, and limbless snakes.
- To investigate the sharing of enhancer activity in developing limbs and genitalia.
- To determine if common regulatory elements affect the development of both appendages.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of regulatory DNA sequences.
- Functional analysis of enhancer activity using genetic deletion in model organisms.
Main Results:
- Widespread sharing of enhancer activity was observed in developing limbs and genitalia across the studied species.
- Genetic deletion of a specific limb-genital enhancer demonstrated its role in the development of both appendages.
- Common regulatory elements are involved in the coordinated development of evolutionarily related structures.
Conclusions:
- Regulatory elements controlling limb and genital development are conserved across diverse vertebrate species.
- Shared enhancers highlight a common genetic toolkit for appendage development.
- This study provides evidence for the deep conservation of developmental regulatory mechanisms.
