Molecular Characterization of the Gastrula in the Turtle Emys orbicularis
Author Information
Author(s): Coolen Marion, Nicolle Delphine, Plouhinec Jean-Louis, Gombault Aurélie, Sauka-Spengler Tatjana, Menuet Arnaud, Pieau Claude, Mazan Sylvie
Primary Institution: Développement et Evolution des vertébrés, UMR 6218, CNRS et Université d'Orléans, Orleans, France
Hypothesis
The turtle exemplifies a transition form from an amphibian- to an avian-type gastrulation pattern.
Conclusion
The study provides insights into the evolutionary significance of gastrulation patterns in reptiles, highlighting a conserved dynamic of expression with amniote model organisms.
Supporting Evidence
- The expression patterns of Brachyury, Lim1, Otx2, and Otx5 were analyzed to understand mesoderm internalization.
- The study found a highly conserved dynamic of expression with amniote model organisms.
- Two distinct phases of Brachyury expression were identified, which are less recognizable in model organisms.
- Comparisons with tetrapod model organisms provided new insights into the evolutionary relationships of gastrulation patterns.
Takeaway
This study looks at how turtle embryos develop and shows that their development is similar to both frogs and birds, helping us understand how these animals evolved.
Methodology
The study involved capturing turtle embryos, incubating them, and analyzing gene expression patterns during gastrulation.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single species of turtle and may not represent all reptiles.
Participant Demographics
Turtle embryos from the species Emys orbicularis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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