Biphasic Hoxd Gene Expression in Shark Paired Fins Reveals an Ancient Origin of the Distal Limb Domain
2007
Shark Fin Development and Hoxd Gene Expression
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Renata Freitas, GuangJun Zhang, Martin J. Cohn
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Hypothesis
The second phase of Hoxd gene expression is not uniquely associated with tetrapod digit development.
Conclusion
The study reveals that biphasic Hoxd gene expression is a plesiomorphic condition present in the common ancestor of chondrichthyans and osteichthyans.
Supporting Evidence
- Shark fins exhibit biphasic Hoxd gene expression similar to tetrapod limbs.
- Hoxd genes are expressed in dynamic patterns during paired appendage development.
- The second phase of Hoxd expression is not unique to tetrapods but is also found in sharks.
Takeaway
Sharks have a similar way of developing their fins as tetrapods do with their limbs, showing that some traits are very old and shared among different species.
Methodology
The study involved examining Hoxd gene expression during paired fin development in the shark Scyliorhinus canicula.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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