An Ancient Gene Network for Teeth on Old and New Jaws
Author Information
Author(s): Fraser Gareth J, Hulsey C. Darrin, Bloomquist Ryan F, Uyesugi Kristine, Manley Nancy R, Streelman J. Todd
Primary Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
Do oral and pharyngeal teeth develop using common or independent gene regulatory pathways?
Conclusion
The study suggests that an ancient gene network is co-opted for the development of teeth in both oral and pharyngeal jaws across different species.
Supporting Evidence
- Tooth number is correlated on oral and pharyngeal jaws across species of cichlid fishes.
- Pharyngeal teeth develop in a region of dense hox gene expression.
- Most genes in the dental gene network are similarly deployed across oral and pharyngeal teeth.
Takeaway
This study shows that teeth in fish developed from a common set of genes, even though they grow in different parts of the mouth.
Methodology
The researchers examined tooth number correlation in cichlid fishes and analyzed gene expression patterns during tooth development.
Participant Demographics
Cichlid fishes from Lake Malawi, representing a range of species and dental diversity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.00001
Statistical Significance
p<0.00001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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