Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution

We analyzed the correlation structure of limb skeletal elements of paedomorphic and metamorphic individuals to determine the extent of developmental and functional influences on integration and evolvability. We focused on four skeletal elements of each limb to estimate correlation patterns as a function of different ontogenetic trajectories and functional demands. Our results showed that metamorphs and paedomorphs had similar, general patterns of limb integration. Partial correlations between homologous limb elements and within limb elements were higher in paedomorphs when compared to metamorphs. A decrease in partial correlation between homologous limb elements in metamorphs is accompanied with a higher evolvability of the terrestrial morph. Environmental demands could shape the patterns of morphological integration and evolvability of alpine newt limbs through different aquatic versus terrestrial constraints.

Gene expansion and contraction reflect evolutionary adaptation of gene family. Fourteen tdrds in the teleost fish, swamp eel, have been identified, which were clustered into 12 tdrd branches. Comparative synteny showed biased duplications and loss of members in the tdrd family in fish species. These findings provide insight into evolution and functions of tdrd genes in the teleost fish.

Nutritive embryo producing snails, Crepidula navicella and Calyptraea lichen, show MAPK and apoptotic activity at early cleavage stages, unlike indirect developing congeners. Variability, timing, and localization of MAPK and apoptotic activity suggest an important role in producing the nutritive embryo phenotype.

First localization of PL10 protein during gametogenesis in a reptile.

Differences with the localization of Vasa protein.

Segregation of PL10 in residual bodies removed during spermiogenesis.

PL10 is localized in oocyte and in connected follicle cells.

ATRA induced the expression of COL9A1 through RARα/RXRα.

CRABP2 enhanced the induction of ATRA on COL9A1 expression.

CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 weakened the chondrocyte sensitivity to ATRA.

BMP2-WNT4-RUNX1 pathway played an important role in the cross-talk between ATRA and COL9A1.