The molecular evolution of vertebrate organs
1Evolutionary Developmental Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK. margarida.cardosomoreira@crick.ac.uk.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Vertebrate organ diversity drives ecological success. Technological advances reveal molecular and developmental changes responsible for organ evolution and vertebrate diversification.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Vertebrate ecological and evolutionary success is linked to organ diversity.
- Understanding the origin and diversification of vertebrate organs is a key scientific goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major advances in understanding the molecular evolution of vertebrate organs.
- To explore the molecular and developmental changes driving organ diversity.
- To discuss the evolutionary forces shaping vertebrate innovations.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging technological advancements like whole-genome sequencing.
- Utilizing functional and single-cell genomics.
- Employing genome editing tools for functional studies.
Main Results:
- Organs and cell types exhibit differential rates of evolution.
- Specific molecular changes contribute distinctly to organ evolution.
- New complex traits evolve from cellular to organ levels.
Conclusions:
- Technological progress has significantly enhanced our understanding of organ evolution.
- Molecular and developmental changes, driven by evolutionary forces, fuel vertebrate diversification.
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